Chapter 27: The Call of Exploration
After Kaelen's meeting with his team in the shelter, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation. Everyone had grasped his plan: secure the shelter, explore the university, and understand the nature of this new world. Kaelen had significantly boosted his power, and he was ready for the next phase.
"Alright, everyone," Kaelen said, his voice filled with calm confidence. "Our first objective is the East Wing of the university. I remember it housed the old research laboratories, which might contain valuable data or experimental chemical compounds that could be vital in helping us understand this new world or enhance our abilities."
Ethan, clutching an old university map he'd found in the shelter, nodded. "The East Wing... it's a good place to start. It was less damaged than other parts, and some of the lower passages might be intact."
"What about the monsters?" Layla asked, her eyes scanning the horizon nervously. "Should we expect more Lurkers or mutated creatures?"
"Expect everything," Kaelen replied gravely. "But we'll be ready. Emily, stay close to me. Remember what happened in the library. Your Mana Resonance ability could be crucial in disrupting their attacks."
Emily looked at Kaelen, her eyes filled with tension, but she nodded with determination. She still felt the mana flowing within her, a strange and unsettling sensation, but she was beginning to accept it.
"Caleb," Kaelen continued. "You're at the front with Ethan. Keep a safe distance, and be ready for anything. Layla, you'll stay at the rear, watching for any unexpected movement."
The team geared up. Caleb carried a heavy metal sheet he'd found in the shelter, while Ethan wielded an iron rod. Layla carried a small bag of light medical supplies, and Emily had a backpack with some water and food. As for Kaelen, he relied on his sharp knives and his increasing powers.
As they reached the main gate of the shelter, the two guards watched them with cautious eyes. Kaelen nodded to them, and they slowly opened the gate.
The cool morning air hit them, carrying the scent of dust and decay. The university seemed quieter than before, but this silence was deceptive. The long shadows of the crumbling buildings danced with every breeze, as if whispering ancient secrets.
Kaelen's "Mana Sense (Level 3)" was working at full capacity. He perceived mana flows everywhere, some faint and residual, others pulsing strongly, a sign of creature presence.
"There are some faint signatures ahead," Kaelen whispered. "First Wave monsters. Don't worry, we can handle them."
They began to advance slowly and cautiously towards the East Wing. The ground was littered with debris, and overgrown trees obscured the old pathways. Ethan skillfully led them, avoiding pits and dangling wires.
Suddenly, a rustling sound came from behind a pile of rubble. A slender creature emerged, resembling a Lurker, but it was covered in a layer of dry clay, making it appear rougher and less luminous.
[Threat: Clay Lurker (First Wave)][Health Points: 120/120][Strength: Low][Speed: Medium]
"Clay Lurker!" Kaelen warned. "It's a bit slower, but its skin is tougher."
The Clay Lurker lunged at them. Caleb didn't hesitate. He raised his metal sheet and blocked the first blow. It was a powerful strike, but Caleb's sheet held.
At that moment, Kaelen moved. He didn't attack directly. Instead, he focused on using "Mana Control" to create small mana pulses, not to attack, but to disrupt the Clay Lurker's balance. The creature swayed, its steps faltering.
"Go!" Kaelen shouted.
Ethan and Caleb rushed forward, exploiting the distraction. Ethan struck with his iron rod, while Caleb delivered a powerful blow with his metal sheet. The Clay Lurker fell, disintegrating into essence crystals.
[Clay Lurker eliminated.][Experience Points gained: 60.]
"Good job, everyone," Kaelen said. "That's the coordination we need."
They continued their path, encountering more Clay Lurkers, but each encounter was easier than the last. The team began to work as a single unit, learning from their mistakes and adapting to the threats. This was the true beginning of their exploration, and every step brought them closer to a deeper understanding of this new world.
Reader Comment: A Cat Who Loves Cola
"Meow! This chapter was a great start! Kaelen and his team are heading out to explore the university, which means more adventures! The Clay Lurkers sound annoying, but Kaelen is getting smarter and stronger. I love how he uses his new skills in innovative ways. I hope they find lots of shiny treasures! sips cola slowly, eyes gleaming with curiosity"