Chapter 399: Getting Closer

"I really hope so..." Ralph agreed. "Even if you complete the first two requirements, you won’t reach Level 40 without it."

"But if I keep waiting, I might never get the chance to use my EXP for anything useful." Wallace muttered.

That was the dilemma.

Some survivors believed they might as well spend their accumulated Experience Points now. Since they had no idea when they would obtain a Soul Enhancement Serum, they could use their resources to improve their chances of surviving in the meantime.

Others preferred to save every point.

They had heard that Kai was returning to the shelter after destroying a Floating Citadel and rescuing dozens of prisoners. Considering the number of rare rewards and unusual items he had obtained in the past, they wondered whether he might somehow gain access to Soul Enhancement Serums in the city.

If that happened, they wanted to be ready.

They did not want to discover that the serum was finally available only to realize they had already spent their EXP on something else.

"I think I’ll save mine," Wallace finally said.

Victor looked at him in surprise.

"Even after seeing all these items?"

Wallace nodded.

"Don’t get me wrong. Some of them are useful, but I can survive without them for now. If Kai somehow manages to obtain Soul Enhancement Serums or learns how to obtain one... I want to be ready to complete my breakthrough immediately."

He paused before adding, "And if he doesn’t, I can always spend my EXP later."

Victor considered his words.

"That’s reasonable."

"Besides, the Gene Trader might offer something even more valuable next time. There’s no guarantee these new items will remain available forever."

That possibility made several survivors reconsider their decisions.

The Gene Trader’s inventory had already changed once. Nobody knew whether the new items would remain available during his next appearance, whether their prices would change, or whether even better options might become available.

For some, that uncertainty was a reason to purchase something useful while they had the chance.

For others, it was another reason to hold on to their resources.

Maris listened to their discussion without interrupting.

She understood both sides.

The new items could certainly help the shelter, but the Soul Enhancement Serum remained a major obstacle for anyone hoping to reach Level 40.

And unlike a portable generator or a medical device, it was not something they could simply replace with an ordinary item.

She looked through the Experience Points section once more, paying particular attention to the Gene Compatibility Analyzer.

If it worked as described, it could help her understand her genetic limitations before attempting further enhancements. That would be valuable in the long run, especially for those who had already undergone several modifications.

Still, it was not a small amount.

Maris eventually closed the Experience Points Store without making a purchase...

Well, she had come here intending to buy three Alpha Gene Enhancement Serums with her fifteen Survivor Medals. That remained her priority.

***

In the meantime, the road leading away from Cameron City stretched across the ruined landscape, with broken vehicles, abandoned buildings, and piles of debris scattered along the way.

It’s been some time since Kai rescued the prisoners from the machine convoy and the attack from the bikers...

After the battle, Kai and the others had taken control of the vehicles, giving them a means of transporting everyone back to the Codebreakers Shelter.

However, the trucks alone were not enough.

Some of the rescued survivors had recovered enough strength to travel independently, while others were still too weak to walk for long periods. Kai therefore divided the group between the trucks and several motorbikes they had acquired along the way.

The trucks carried most of the rescued survivors, along with their supplies and equipment. The motorbikes were reserved for those capable of keeping up with the convoy, allowing them to scout ahead, watch the flanks, and respond quickly if something appeared on the road.

There was no shortage of weapons.

Kai had taken advantage of his Gift Packs to equip the group with everything they could reasonably use.

Rifles, pistols, ammunition, protective equipment, and various melee weapons had been distributed among the survivors. Those who were more experienced received firearms suited to their abilities, while those who were unfamiliar with guns were given simpler weapons and instructed to remain close to the trucks.

Even the weakest survivors received protective clothing and basic equipment.

Kai had no intention of allowing them to remain helpless after rescuing them.

Of course, not everyone could immediately become a capable fighter. Some of the survivors could barely hold their weapons properly, and several had difficulty maintaining their balance while walking. Their bodies had endured too much damage for them to recover completely after a few meals and a little rest.

Still, the sight of everyone carrying weapons made the group look very different from the helpless prisoners they had been earlier.

"I guess no one will mess with us... We’re totally equipped from head to toe."

Wilson sat inside one of the trucks, holding a rifle across his lap while watching the scenery through the open rear door.

He had received clean clothes, food, water, and basic protective equipment. His body remained badly altered by the experiments, but at least he no longer had to endure the constant fear of being dragged back into a laboratory.

For a long time, he simply watched the passing ruins.

The wind brushed against his face, carrying the smell of dust and decaying vegetation. The sunlight felt warm against his skin, and the distant sounds of the convoy were strangely comforting.

It was an ordinary experience, something most people would barely notice.

For Wilson, however, it was something he had almost forgotten.

"Are you all right?" a man sitting beside him asked.

Wilson looked up.

The other survivor had noticed his expression and seemed concerned.

"I’m fine," Wilson replied quietly. "I was just thinking."

"About what?"

Wilson looked outside again.

"How long it’s been since I last traveled somewhere without being watched by those machines."

The man fell silent.

He understood what Wilson meant. Most of them had endured similar experiences, and even those who had not been experimented on as severely had spent years living in fear.

After a moment, the man leaned back against the side of the truck.

"Well, at least we’re not going back there."

Wilson nodded.

For the first time in years, he allowed himself to believe that might be true...

Just like that, time passed, and soon, they were getting closer to the Codebreakers Shelter.

"I hope that no more A.I. Army blocks us though..."