Chapter 398: Good or Bad News

Everyone immediately checked the system panel after they heard this.

As they scrolled through the newly added items, several people couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.

"What’s this Combat Analysis Module?"

"Wait, there’s an Energy Core Detector too!"

Maris looked at the new listings.

[ Combat Analysis Module ]

[ Price: 25,000 EXP ]

[ Description: An advanced tactical analysis device capable of analyzing visible enemies, identifying potential weaknesses, estimating combat capabilities, and providing tactical recommendations based on available data. Its accuracy depends on the quality of the collected information and the target’s characteristics. ]

[ Energy Core Detector ]

[ Price: 18,000 EXP ]

[ Description: A portable detection device capable of locating nearby energy cores and identifying concentrated energy signatures. Its detection range and accuracy depend on the target’s energy output and surrounding interference. ]

[ Portable Barrier Generator ]

[ Price: 25,000 EXP ]

[ Description: A compact defensive device capable of generating a temporary energy barrier around a designated area. The barrier can withstand a limited amount of damage before collapsing. Its strength and duration depend on the energy reserves available to the device. ]

[ Emergency Medical Pod ]

[ Price: 35,000 EXP ]

[ Description: An advanced medical device designed to stabilize critically injured individuals. It can accelerate natural recovery, suppress certain biological complications, and provide emergency life support. It cannot restore the dead or guarantee recovery from severe injuries beyond its capabilities. ]

These items were already quite incredible. However, they realized that there were still more of them!

The last one was actually something they really needed.

[ Gene Compatibility Analyzer ]

[ Price: 30,000 EXP ]

[ Description: A specialized analysis device capable of evaluating a user’s genetic compatibility, identifying potential conflicts between existing Gene Skills, and estimating the risks associated with further genetic enhancement. It does not guarantee successful Gene Skill fusion or eliminate all mutation risks. ]

"I think one of us must purchase this Gene Compatibility Analyzer..."

"T-that’s true... I think we also needed the other items here."

The atmosphere grew increasingly lively.

The Combat Analysis Module immediately attracted the attention of several combat-oriented survivors. Meanwhile, those responsible for gathering resources were more interested in the Energy Core Detector.

However, the Portable Barrier Generator and Emergency Medical Pod attracted the most attention.

"Twenty-five thousand EXP for a barrier generator? That’s expensive, but it could save an entire team during an emergency!"

"Thirty-five thousand for a medical pod... If we had something like that during our last expedition, we might have saved two people."

"Forget those for a moment. Look at the Gene Compatibility Analyzer! If it can help us avoid wasting resources on incompatible Gene Skills, that alone could be worth the price."

Maris carefully studied the descriptions.

These were not ordinary supplies that could easily be replaced with something from Kai’s Gift Packs. Some of them provided specialized functions that could be extremely useful to the shelter, especially as the survivors continued to grow stronger.

However, the prices were frightening.

Even survivors who had accumulated considerable Experience Points would have to think carefully before purchasing any of them.

"Wait, how much EXP do you have right now?" Victor asked Wallace.

Wallace glanced at him.

"Why are you asking?"

"Because I want to know if anyone here can actually afford these things."

Wallace gave a dry laugh.

"Unless I want to level down, I wouldn’t be able to buy anything from these new items."

Victor clicked his tongue.

"Then we’re in the same situation."

Several others nearby shared similar reactions.

But while the newly added items were certainly tempting, there was another reason why many of the Codebreakers Shelter’s strongest survivors were hesitant to spend their Experience Points.

Their levels.

More specifically, the level cap.

***

At present, Level 39 was the highest level survivors could reach through their current resources.

Those who reached it would find their advancement halted until they fulfilled the requirements for a breakthrough.

For many survivors, reaching Level 39 was already a considerable achievement. Their Gene Skills had grown stronger, their physical capabilities had improved, and they were far more capable of surviving the dangers of the apocalypse than they had been before.

However, Level 40 was an entirely different matter.

It was not simply another level.

It represented a breakthrough into a new stage of power.

According to Kai, it was Zodiacs...

Those who successfully reached Level 40 would experience a significant improvement in their overall capabilities, allowing them to stand far above ordinary survivors.

Unfortunately, reaching that level was not easy.

There were three requirements.

[ Level 40 Breakthrough Requirements ]

[ Requirement 1: Strengthen your foundation further. Possess at least 8 Gene Skills upgraded to Level 7. ]

[ Requirement 2: Possess at least 5 Fused Gene Skills created through Skill Fusion. ]

[ Requirement 3: Consume a Soul Enhancement Serum to unlock higher compatibility with advanced systems. ]

The first two requirements were difficult but achievable.

With enough time, resources, and combat experience, survivors could upgrade their Gene Skills and gradually learn to fuse them.

The third requirement, however, was a different problem altogether.

The Soul Enhancement Serum was extremely difficult to obtain.

Even among the stronger survivors, only Kai had managed to secure one.

Without it, their progress would remain stuck at Level 39, regardless of how much experience they accumulated.

And that was precisely why the new items had caused such a dilemma.

Some survivors, like Claire and Ralph, had already fulfilled the first two requirements. They only needed the Soul Enhancement Serum to complete their breakthrough.

Others were still working toward the required number of upgraded and fused Gene Skills, but they were already preparing for the moment they finally reached Level 40.

They all understood the importance of being prepared.

"I want that Combat Analysis Module, but spending twenty-five thousand EXP right now feels like a mistake."

A survivor standing beside Maris shook his head... It was Wallace.

"Why? You said you were nowhere near completing the breakthrough requirements."

"I’m getting closer. I already have six Gene Skills at Level 7, and I’ve fused three of them. If I can find the right resources, I might complete the remaining requirements soon."

He paused before continuing.

"The only problem is the Soul Enhancement Serum. I still don’t know where to get one aside from the city... I hope Kai will bring us good news."