Chapter 174: New Enemies on Sight
Aurora’s Plant Enthusiast Talent allowed her to identify growth patterns, soil conditions, and natural properties of anything related to plants. However, Kai knew she had more than that.
Aurora had previously shared her Gene Skills, and it was the reason he brought her here. Aurora’s Gene Skills were far more incredible than most survivors realized. They allowed her to modify, analyze, and adapt plants...
If her skills reached a higher level, she might even be able to grow plants on lava!
[ Verdant Insight Lv2 ]
[ Skill Type: Passive ]
[ Description: Allows the user to break down the composition of a plant, identifying toxins, accelerants, or artificial compounds. Provides detailed insight into hidden properties. ]
[ Plant Alteration Lv3 ]
[ Skill Type: Active ]
[ Description: Stimulates abnormal vitality in plants, accelerating growth and multiplying output. Redirects stored energy into rapid development, producing yields far beyond natural limits. Prolonged use may strain plant stability.
Spirit Point Cost: 30 ]
[ Cooldown: 30 seconds ]
[ Eco Stabilization Lv1 ]
[ Skill Type: Active ]
[ Description: Reinforces a plant’s natural properties, making crops more resilient or safe for human consumption.
Spirit Point Cost: 20 ]
[ Cooldown: 20 seconds ]
Of course, each use wouldn’t guarantee complete alteration or stabilization. According to Aurora, it would take a few sessions...
As a matter of fact, their chili plant, which produced dozens of fruits on one branch, was made possible thanks to Aurora’s alteration.
Kai finally answered her question.
"Yes... I want you to help these people cultivate the crops, but not as they are now. Use your Gene Skills to modify them. To be honest, I don’t know the full extent of what you can achieve, but try to make them safe. Remove the toxins, neutralize the harmful traits. If you can turn these bioweapons into food or something even better, or at least harmless plants, then the farmers we have won’t have to fear what they’re growing anymore."
He paused, glancing at the freed workers nearby. He then continued while lowering his voice. "We can’t afford to waste resources, but we also can’t let these things poison us. If anyone can change them, it’s you."
Aurora smiled as she truly felt needed. She understood now why Kai had brought her here.
Jonas chuckled nervously. "So basically, you’re asking her to turn poison farms into vegetable gardens."
Kai smirked faintly. "Something like that. If she succeeds, we’ll have food, oil, and maybe even new weapons. If she fails... at least we’ll know the limits of her skills."
Aurora nodded slowly... "Alright. But I want those new items you have... for free..."
Kai chuckled. "You can have them..."
"I haven’t even told you! I want those stun grenades, that Beretta with free ammo, and free food... I like those dried fruits and nuts," Aurora said.
"Yes... of course. You can have an Enhanced Weapon Gift Pack. If you need extra ammunition, it’s in the warehouse. Just get them. The food will be free in the pantry, but I’ll give you your own box later."
As he said this, he recalled something and looked at Jonas. "Ahem... I forgot to tell you that we already have a stove here," Kai said, scratching his head.
"Wait, what? I already cooked using those dried branches..." Jonas was stunned.
Indeed, Kai’s Enhanced Food Gift Pack included vacuum‑sealed rations or MREs, canned goods, dried fruits and nuts, instant soup packs, coffee sachets, and a portable cooking stove with fuel canisters!
He had supplied a few of them in Shelter‑45, but it seemed Jonas hadn’t taken one. He probably thought they were rare commodities. As for this shelter, Kai hadn’t placed one in the kitchen yet! The stove was in the mess hall when he fed the freed workers.
To apologize, Kai simply gave him a new wristwatch and a complete Weapon Gift Pack.
***
The next day, everyone got back to their stations, and Russel did the same.
He was quite enthusiastic since he had finally received his own Plasma Rifle. It was not scavenged from the battlefield, not a modified energy cell created by Victor, but a brand‑new weapon with a pristine energy cell.
It was basically a factory-new!
His arsenal was complete now.
The Revolver remained his trusty fallback, a weapon that never failed him in close quarters.
The Beretta gave him speed and reliability when things got messy.
His bolt‑action rifle was a long-range precision weapon. It was dependable for picking off threats from afar.
And now, the Plasma Rifle... his newest prize, capable of unleashing twelve devastating shots before needing a recharge.
Of course, they still do not have unlimited Energy Cells, so he had to be careful on this.
In the next couple of days, his patrols became routine. At this time, Kai even moved back and forth between Shelter‑45 and the newly christened Freedom Shelter.
Russel was still bitter about the name.
His suggestions, like Strongest Base, Sentinel’s End, and Eternal Envy, had been dismissed after a long debate.
In the end, Mei’s softer suggestion, Freedom Shelter, won the vote.
Russel could only sigh as he recalled this... It was a pity... After all, if he was able to name the shelter, it would give him something to brag about. So once Augustine and others came by, he would be able to show off.
In any case, as Russel guarded the perimeter like every day, something unexpected happened...
Without warning, the skies broke their calm, and he heard the familiar buzzing sound in the air!
At first, he thought that it was the Swarmers and readied the Signal Jammers that Kai had prepared. Even the farmers noticed this and swiftly held the Jammers according to their training.
However, Russel suddenly froze as he realized what they were dealing with!
They were flying vehicles.
Dragoons!
Clack! Clack! Clack!
The sound of wood being hammered was heard as a warning. Since they do not have a bell yet, they could only use this method for now...
Nonetheless, everyone in the shelter heard it!
Immediately, those able-bodied were able to find their weapons and get themselves ready for a battle!
But the surprise didn’t end there.
Behind the formation of Dragoons charging straight toward the shelter, a larger flying vehicle appeared! It was nearly ten times the size of the machines leading the attack.