Rise of the Desperate: Donald Carter's Zombie Survival Guide

Chapter 4: Leaving the Building (2)

Donald didn't get a chance to complain about the results before the other two zombies came lumbering towards him. Raising his ax again, he swung at the closest one with the same result. However, he had to shut his eyes to prevent the bits of zombie flesh from getting into his eyes. Wiping it away from his flesh, he opened his eyes in time to see another message and the zombie about to bite him.

In a panic, he stumbled back to get out of its range, only to trip over his feet. He fell on his back with a grunt as the zombie lumbered towards him. Donald scurried on all fours to put some distance between them. His ax had fallen out of his hands and was just out of his reach. Glancing between the zombie and ax, he took the risk of lunging for his weapon again.

The zombie threw itself at him as he grabbed the ax. It crashed into his back, and he grunted from the weight. Thinking quickly, he managed to flip them over so the zombie was on its back with Donald crushing it on top. His actions slowed the zombie down enough for him to get back on his feet and raise the ax over his head. He swung it down as electricity sparked.

Bits of zombie flew everywhere as his ax collided with the zombie's head. Donald grimaced as he pulled his ax free from the remains and scanned the area for more zombies. The ruckus they made should have attracted more, but there wasn't a single zombie in sight. Either they hadn't noticed their fighting or they were too far away to notice what was going on.

The former was a ridiculous notion. They had to be deaf to not be able to hear them trying to kill each other. Well, he didn't exactly know about zombies, so there might be deaf zombies. He wasn't an expert on them. It would be great if it was the latter, but he wasn't going to go waltzing around without any precaution. Wiping away the blood and gore, he made a face at the condition of his clothes.

He had just bought these clothes for the express purpose of impressing his coworkers. Now they were utterly ruined. Once he found some spare clothes, he was going to toss the ones he was wearing into a dumpster or set them on fire. The smell and sensation of it on his skin were really getting to him. With a sigh, he took this opportunity to properly explore the floor while checking his rewards.

For defeating three zombies, he had earned three points. Donald wanted to argue that he deserved more points than that. He should have at least been given ten points each, but perhaps what he could get in exchange for the points might be worth it. Maybe one point was an actual treasure trove, and he was ignorant because he didn't know its worth.

"System, how do I use the points?" Donald asked as he inspected the drawers and cabinets for useful items.

[The user can use the points to improve his electricity powers by choosing the following options.]

[Increase the power (5)]

[Increase the range (5)]

[Increase the conductivity (3)]

Donald paused what he was doing to seriously consider his options. They were really good options, but he didn't have the points to get everything. He was lucky to even have enough to get one of the options. It really was highway robbery. However, he wondered if it was best to save the points for later so he could get the higher rewards. It was important that he make the right decision.

One wrong move could cost him dearly in the future. He had to decide how he wanted to improve his powers. The first two were quite obvious. Increasing power meant increasing how strong his electrical attacks would be. Inceasing range meant how far his electrical attacks could reach. As for conductivity, it was something he hadn't heard about in years.

He could vaguely remember what it was about. It meant how well he could combine electricity with other items, if he was right. Donald wasn't sure why it cost fewer points compared to the other two. Was it because it required him to use other items along with his powers? In that case, he appreciated the discount even if it wasn't a lot.

The important part was choosing an option that matched his style. If he went with the first, he would be a heavy hitter, but it probably meant he would need to be in close range with his enemies. That was an option he considered a last resort. The second one would make it great for attacking enemies from afar, but it wouldn't be as strong. Also, it would still be dangerous.

If a zombie was fast enough, they might slip within his range before he realized it. Staring at the last option, Donald considered whether he wanted to learn how to wield multiple weapons. Having weapons combined with his power would be more efficient. If somehow electricity didn't work, he could still hurt them with whatever weapon he got his hands on.

Having made his decision, Donald said as he pressed the button, "I choose the last option."

[Your choice has been selected. Are you sure this is the right choice? You will not be able to change your mind later on.]

Seeing those words made Luke doubt again. Did he really want this option? Donald could still change his mind and pick one of the other options. The moment he thought that, he shook his head. This wasn't the time to be doubting himself. He needed to be assertive in a situation like this one and not change his mind after making a decision.

"I'm sure," he said as his hands shook.

[Congratulations. The user has upgraded their power's conductivity.]

Donald certainly didn't feel any different. He thought there would be obvious signs, but it was quite anticlimactic. Donald had been so sure that something would happen once he got the reward. Well, he supposed it was better this way. If it was eye catching, it would be an issue when he fought zombies or other people. He didn't need the attention.

After finishing exploring the floor, he took a moment to take a break and eat his snacks. They would replenish his strength so he could fight other zombies he encountered on the way out of the building. His eyes continued to scan his surroundings as he nibbled on his food. He didn't actually feel hungry, but it would have probably been a bad idea to put it off.

Once he finished, Donald made sure to do a quick check of everything he had before standing before the steps to the next floor. His heart pounded in his ears as he hesitated to go down. He really didn't want to encounter any zombies on the way out, but it was an unrealistic expectation. With a deep breath, he took a step down onto the next floor.