Chapter 93

The Trade Building.

Richardson's team kept pushing up from the first floor.

Everyone knew that the more crowded a place was before the apocalypse, the more likely you'd run into some seriously mutated zombies.

And the Trade Building was just as packed as the Golden Karen Hotel or the school.

The team had avoided this place before because it was just too risky. In a busy spot like this, powerful zombies were bound to show up, and if they ran into a special one, it could be game over for the whole team.

But the Creator organization's followers were like a constant thorn in their side, pushing Richardson's team to get stronger.

So, they had no choice but to come here and take their chances.

"Hopefully, we only run into zombies that have mutated five times. If there are any that have mutated six times, we might be in trouble again," Anna whispered as the team cleared out zombies around her.

"Yeah, like five-time mutated zombies are a walk in the park," Helen replied casually.

Usually, Anna didn't have to fight much since she stayed in the safe center of the team. And Helen, being Anna's cat, naturally stayed safe too.

"You two, stop chatting if you're not going to fight," Karen complained, annoyed that carrying the little black dragon was slowing her down. She tossed the little black dragon to Anna.

The little black dragon, unhappy about missing the action, quickly settled down under Helen's stern gaze and curled up in Anna's arms.

Helen was a pro at managing the Dragon Clan!

"There were definitely people here before us. Look at all these decaying bodies. Get ready to move up, we're heading upstairs," Richardson said.

The Trade Building had over twenty floors, each packed with hundreds of shops.

Richardson figured that in such a huge, crowded place, no team could clear it out completely. But survivors passing through the first floor or looking for supplies might have left some zombies behind.

So, he quickly figured there were probably no five-time mutated zombies on the first floor and led the team upstairs.

"Be careful. The zombie density here is high. If we get stuck on the second floor, we might not make it out," Iris warned. She was always in the thick of battle and had a keen sense of danger and escape routes.

"Got it," Richardson nodded, checking on the team.

Jasmine's combat skills had skyrocketed after training with Number One. Her speed and attack angles were perfect, wasting no energy.

Karen, after handing the little black dragon to Anna, was more cautious now, no longer recklessly hacking away. Taking care of the little black dragon had made her more careful.

Lily followed closely behind Richardson, while Number One and Number Zero covered the rear, handling the toughest fights.

"Monroe, keep your head in the game, don't overthink it! Iris, watch out for her," Richardson said, giving a final word of concern. He found the way upstairs and, under Helen's command, led the team forward. Like a bullet, Richardson's charge ripped through the zombie horde.

The team followed right behind him.

"Boss, after the second floor, turn right. There's a more open space over there," Helen directed. With her around, Richardson didn't have to worry about analyzing the situation, saving him a lot of mental energy.

"Iris, you and Monroe keep up. Don't get bogged down by zombies, catch up with the team's pace ASAP. With Number One and Number Zero covering the rear, you can charge forward confidently. Karen, slow down a bit and stay in line with Jasmine. Don't rush too far ahead!" Helen kept everyone in check.

Even though Monroe was new to team combat, she quickly saw the benefits of working together. Especially with Number One's Aura, everyone shared the mysterious energy from killing zombies. The constant influx of energy was way more efficient than going solo.

"So this is what a team feels like?" Monroe murmured after taking down a zombie, following Iris's lead.

Iris chuckled, "Not all teams are like this. Richardson's team is special, which is why I chose to stay. Here, I feel a sense of warmth."

Without turning around, Iris continued, "Humans are complicated. In the Battlefield World, there are crazies like the Creator, groups surrendering to the Demon Beast civilization, and organizations like us fighting to eliminate the Creator. I've been through many battles and met many people, but only Richardson's team feels different. It feels like home."

Hearing Iris's rare praise, Richardson couldn't help but smile but didn't interrupt their conversation.

They reached the second floor. The number of zombies here wasn't much less than on the first floor. Survivors who came to the Trade Building usually attracted zombies upstairs with their noise, so the lower floors were more crowded.

However, there were fewer bodies here, indicating that not many people had passed through.

"Get ready, there will definitely be powerful mutated zombies here. Monroe and Iris, if you're going to evolve, let us know in advance. Come to Anna's and my position, and we'll protect you," Helen instructed, perched on Anna's shoulder, scanning the area.

After ensuring there were no immediate threats, she continued, "Boss, there are too many zombies on the east side. Let's head there!"

Richardson didn't hesitate. He raised his machete and charged east. First or second-level mutated zombies were no longer a threat to him, but he still had to be cautious of third-level ones with special abilities.

His charge was steady, prioritizing safety. When they reached the area Helen mentioned, everyone noticed the number of zombies had decreased. Many zombies chasing them from behind stopped, unwilling to approach.

"Here it comes! It's a fourth-level mutated zombie!" Helen's voice rang out. Richardson didn't move, just stared into the dimly lit corner.

A fourth-level mutated zombie, like a rabid dog, bared its fangs!

"Let's do it!" Richardson shouted.

Before the zombie could react, a slender figure appeared beside it.

The blade flashed!

The dagger sliced through its neck with precision!

Lily, a third-level evolved individual, took down the fourth-level mutated zombie in seconds!

"Awesome!" Monroe exclaimed, excitement in her voice. Who would've thought that this seemingly powerful zombie would be taken out so quickly by Lily, who usually seemed so gentle and weak?

Was this what an assassin was like?

Pretty cool!

"About to evolve! Everyone hold up a moment!" Iris suddenly announced. She was a Sorcerer, but also human. So on Earth, she could strengthen and evolve her genes by killing zombies and gaining enhancements.

Her dual practice of both systems doubled her physical qualities, offering significant benefits!

"I'm in too!" Monroe added.

Iris sat down and began to focus on evolving. At the same time, Monroe felt the mysterious energy in her body reaching a peak, signaling her second evolution.

The two of them started evolving almost simultaneously.

Naturally, the team paused their advance.

With Number One and Number Zero guarding the perimeter, the others took a few minutes to rest nearby.

"Richardson, do you think we should also learn the power of Magic? Seeing how they both get double physical enhancements, I'm so envious," Karen said, wiping her long sword.

"Ms. White, are you thinking about learning innate magic for combat? It seems doable. Mastering Magic isn't that hard. If you get me a few Magic crystals to study, I can help you awaken as a first-tier Sorcerer. But awakening innate magic depends on your aptitude, and Magic requires constant practice, unlike upgrading by killing zombies. Take Monroe, for example; she's a prodigy in Magic. Given some time, she'll likely acquire at least three or more innate magic abilities!" Helen explained.

Everyone knew that Magic required continuous practice to improve.

So Karen was just joking about wanting innate magic. It was unlikely that several team members would pursue both methods simultaneously.

Because it wasn't necessary.

At least for now, it really wasn't necessary.

It would be a waste of time and energy with not much gain.

"Looks like I'll just focus on studying Magic weapon forging. If I want innate magic, I don't have to practice it myself. After embedding crystals into the weapons, I can have it too," Karen sighed, thinking about her progress in forging her first piece of armor.

"Richardson, I'm forging this shirt for you. When it's ready, you can embed the Magic crystal from that monkey into it. If it fails, we'll pretend this conversation never happened. But if it succeeds, you might gain a defensive type of magic!"

After a few days of learning, Karen started trying to embed Magic crystals into her first piece of armor.

However, the success rate was completely unknown.

If Iris's teachings were correct, there might be about a thirty percent chance of success. But if Iris weren't entirely right, then it would all come down to luck.

"Armor forged into a shirt, huh? Still chasing aesthetics, Ms. White," Richardson said, a bit amused.

He had expected armor or armguards, but a shirt? He couldn't help but feel a bit helpless.

"A shirt is great! It looks good and doesn't affect combat. I think it's fine," Anna smiled, giving Karen her approval.

Then she turned to Lily beside her.

Lily's sudden assassination of the fourth-level mutated zombie had surprised Anna.

"Is Jasmine learning from Number One? Your combat skills seem to have improved a lot too," Anna said, puzzled.

Lily smiled and nodded towards Iris, who was evolving nearby.

"She shared a lot of her combat experience and skills with me. I've been trying to learn how to be a real assassin recently, so I've been working hard," Lily explained.

This was the first time she had played such a crucial role in facing zombies, and she was just as excited.

Her stealth techniques usually had little effect on zombies, whose hearing and sense of smell were highly acute. But today, she had managed to quietly approach a fourth-level mutated zombie and deliver a fatal blow!

All of this was the result of recent training!

"Indeed, Iris is truly from an assassin organization. She taught Lily techniques on how to hold her breath. But the silent step technique was taught by me," Helen boasted, feeling proud.

"Great, you're the best!" Anna said, pampering Helen with a compliment.

An absolute cat lover, no doubt about it!

"Master, the number of zombies is increasing. With the death of this mutated zombie, the pressure around us has eased," Number One reported.

More and more zombies were closing in, and he and Number Zero couldn't hold them back much longer.

"Alright, Karen and Jasmine, go help. Anna, you and I will continue to guard," Richardson instructed, staying put himself.

After all, it was a critical moment for evolution. If a mutated zombie suddenly attacked and harmed Monroe and Iris, it wouldn't be good.

So he had to stay to protect the two of them.

"Let's go!" Karen said, picking up her long sword and charging forward.

Seeing Karen heading into battle again, the little black dragon in Anna's arms eagerly wanted to join.

"Let it go. There shouldn't be anyone from the Creator organization here. As long as it doesn't attract the attention of mutated zombies, it should be safe," Richardson said, after a moment of thought.

After all, it was the Dragon Clan; it couldn't be raised as a pet like Helen's cat.

Participating more in battles would be very helpful for its growth.

Upon hearing Richardson's words, the little black dragon excitedly spread its small wings.

Now standing at 1 foot tall, it rushed out of Anna's arms!

Aiming at a group of zombies, it unleashed Wind Blades from its mouth!

The Dragon Clan was the most talented Sorcerer, without a doubt!

"Master, Number Zero senses that there seems to be another mutated zombie nearby, at least at the level of four times mutation. The position is probably directly above us!" Number One's voice came through, and Richardson suddenly frowned.

The next moment, the rooftop collapsed!

A zombie shimmering with a metallic sheen descended from the sky.