⸻
With a final, thunderous swing, Ming Sūlín's steel bat splattered crimson as the last zombie crumpled to the ground, its decaying form fading into a wisp of ash that swirled around her like ghostly smoke. The pulsating glow of the module illuminated the scene, signaling her triumph.
[You have acquired loot!]
• x1 Yellow-Grade Steel Bat
• x2 Non-Grade Bandages
• x1 Non-Grade Moldy Bread
[5/30 unfortunate souls freed | +25 EXP]
With a thrill of excitement, she swung the steel bat with a swift flourish, a gleam of mischief in her eyes. "Mhmm, this bat wasn't so bad. Great distance, solid impact on zombie skulls!" She had initially thought of selling it, but now the allure of its power was almost too tempting to resist.
She steadied her breathing, wiped her face with the back of her arm, and glanced toward the barricaded windows where her parents waited tensely, keeping watch for movement outside.
The number on the module climbed higher, igniting a spark of urgency within her: twenty-four brave souls still imprisoned, with only seven dungeon-days slipping through her fingers to rescue them.
Just five days left to make it all count.
Ming Sūlín plunged into the thick underbrush, each step a thrilling dance of stealth and adrenaline. Her heart raced wildly at every snap of twigs and rustle of leaves, amplifying the exhilarating pulse of her adventure.
Suddenly, a horde of zombies lunged from the shadows, but with fierce determination, she fought back, dispatching them with precise triple dagger strikes.
[You have killed x4 Zombies | 4 kill points | +30 EXP]
[Loot: x2 Silver, x187 Copper Coins]
[You sustained -3 HP of damage]
A yellow-grade zombie staggered out from behind a fallen tree, its aura of lingering humanity unmistakable. She reacted fast, slicing through its defenses and sending it to ash.
"Rest in peace," Ming Sūlín whispered, bowing her head with hands pressed in prayer.
[You have killed x1 Yellow-Grade Zombie (Unfortunate Soul Player Mei Lin) | 5 kill points | +90 EXP]
[Loot: x1 Yellow-Grade Healing Root, x2 Damaged Slave Chains, x1 Player Identity Card, x1 Gold, x3 Silver, x412 Copper Coins]
[6/30 unfortunate souls freed | +25 EXP]
Ming Sūlín now had quite a collection of yellow-grade slave chains, and she wondered if she could put them to good use. Many unfortunate players had fallen here on the first floor—she could only imagine what awaited her higher up.
Breathing steadily, she scanned the area and discovered a partially hidden wooden crate tucked beneath a pile of leaves. Opening it, the module immediately took the items directly into her inventory.
[You have accessed Hidden Resource Point! | +20 EXP]
[Loot auto-added:]
• x10 Canned Food
• x2 Yellow-Grade Tactical Medkits
• x1 Water Pouch
• x1 Solar Still
• x1 Yellow-Grade A Dry Bag
• x2 Non-Grade Bandages
• x3 Silver, x147 Copper Coins
[Yellow-Grade A Dry Bag: Protects essential items from saltwater damage and sun damage.]
[Items automatically added]
[7/30 unfortunate souls freed | +25 EXP]
Each rescued soul marked both progress and the mounting pressure—twenty-three players still trapped, and time ticking relentlessly. She silently promised herself she would check the player threads later, to see if the fallen had families she could contact, or, failing that, she would build a shrine so they would not be forgotten.
She might be a ruler, but she was just as human as they were. She fought and struggled to survive because she had people to protect—people whose safety remained uncertain.
Worrying endlessly or breaking down wouldn't save them. This was her planet now. She needed to calm herself, grow stronger, and push forward.
By her calculations, she would likely reach level five—or higher—by the time she cleared the first floor.
Sliding the Attraction Ring back onto her finger, she smirked. The item had been her best drop so far, though risky—best used when carving a path, never when trying to stay hidden.
[You have killed x13 Zombies | 8 kill points | +50 EXP]
[Loot auto-added: x1 Swimming Goggles, x4 Silver, x123 Copper Coins]
[You have killed x3 Yellow-Grade Zombies | 15 kill points | +180 EXP]
It won't be long now before it's time for her to level up again.
[Level up to 4: 1,050 / 1200]
She smiled while rubbing the sweat and grime off her face. The ring's effect had worked perfectly. Every zombie and hound in range rushed for her, but Ming Sūlín ignored the shamblers, darting straight for the man-eating "puppies."
She let out a sharp whistle. The zombie hounds' heads snapped toward her. Leaping forward, she vaulted over two of them and went directly for the pack's leader.
"Argh—wahhoo!" The beast snarled, but its cry was cut short as her strike silenced it. Without wasting time, she whirled, swiftly cutting down the remaining hounds until the last one fell twitching in the dirt.
[You have killed x7 Zombie Hounds | 28 kill points | +210 EXP]
[Loot auto-added: x7 Fur Pelts, x3 Pieces of Leather, x294 Hound Teeth, x6 Silver, x1000 Copper Coins]
Before she got a chance to really catch her breath, she was bombarded with notifications of her upgrade and loots—it overwhelmed her a bit.
[Player unlocked new skill Valiant Huntress: Being a huntress is only the beginning! Stepping on the true path of tracking, attacking, and knowing your prey. The ability to see weaknesses, see and follow tracks. (upgradable to EXP) - burns stamina quickly!]
She was thrilled to get a new skill! She could definitely put it to work and upgrade it quickly. She uses it often in fights, though it drains stamina, so she has to be careful in large herds of zombies.
[Congratulations Player Ming Sūlín for leveling up to level 4. You have been rewarded:]
• x1 Purple-Grade SOS Travel Express Space Train
• x1 Summons Temple
• 300 Gold, 1000 Silver, 2000 Copper Coins
[Health has been restored to full health bar!]
Hell yeah! "Ahhh," Ming Sūlín sighed, comfortably stretching her body, popping her sore muscles as the instant energy spread through her body, restoring and healing her health and stamina. What an addictive feeling.
She thought silently to herself as she marveled at the game world powers and strength constantly displayed—there must be a stronger being controlling everything.
[Summons Temple: Do a little silly dance, wave your hands to the right, wave your hands to the left (or coin offerings), and abracadabra, may your summons appear to help your land keep it standing! 3 draws a week! Once summoned, a ruler can't "return" summons; otherwise, they get a zero-star review and are blacklisted. Summons depend on luck or offers!]