NOVEL NEXT Chapter 199: The Blood
The journey was quite long, but as Kael and Tessa, flanked by their elven escorts, reached the final hill, the sight that greeted them was one of formidable security and unexpected warmth.
"We're finally here…" The two of them said at the same time as they hurried with their steps. The elves could tell what they were f
Before them stood Shane's estate, a stronghold that seemed to be capable of blocking even the Tyrant Zombies they'd seen before.
The fortified palisade loomed high, its sturdy logs interlocked to provide protection.
There were also traps of the ingenious design lay hidden among the underbrush or exposed along the trees, ready to ensnare unwary invaders.
Well, most of the traps don't have to be hidden since Zombies weren't capable of critical thinking… They just mostly act on their instincts, so some of the traps could be laid bare.
Then, several watchtowers dotted the perimeter, manned by sentinels whose vigilant eyes scanned the landscape, their hands steady on firearms and crossbows that gleamed with deadly intent.
Kael's eyes widened in admiration as soon as they had gotten closer and observe the estate carefully.
"I've never seen anything like it… Did he built this from the scratch or did he just found this place and just renovated it?" he murmured, his warrior's heart recognizing the strategic genius of the estate's defenses.
Tessa's lips curved into a smile of relief. "It's like a fortress," she said. "We're safe here."
As they approached, the gates swung open with a loud creak, revealing the heart of the estate.
Inside, they were met with cheers and open arms as Raze, Lyra, and Jaxon rushed forward to embrace their long-lost companions.
"You made it!" Raze exclaimed, her eyes shining with joy.
Lyra's laughter mingled with the clamor of greetings. "We were starting to worry," she teased.
Jaxon clapped Kael on the back, a grin splitting his face. "The Eclipse Revenant Clan is whole again," he declared proudly.
Although it hadn't been long since the clan was made, they couldn't help but feel connected to it, especially after learning that they could live in such a well-protected shelter.
At this time, the elves stood back, observing the reunion with quiet respect.
Then, Eldric, the leader of the small team, reported the completion of the mission to Shane while the others returned to their stations…
***
Meanwhile, in the well-lit confines of the estate's laboratory, Anna, the physician and alchemist, was a study in concentration.
The laboratory she was at had five Light Orbs from the Flasher Zombies to ensure that she had all the lights she needed since her task was very sensitive and crucial.
Vials and beakers cluttered her workspace, each one filled with substances both common and rare, but it was the vial of Dragon Blood that held her rapt attention.
The blood was a vibrant crimson, its surface shimmering with an inner fire.
This blood was part of Raze's payment for the five thousand points she borrowed from Shane before.
It was also a key ingredient in a concoction that could bolster their strength and, perhaps, even obtain immunity from the virus.
The potion it could create was said to grant enhanced strength, accelerated healing, and temporary immunity to disease and the zombie virus itself!
But Dragon Blood was volatile. The first two drops had yielded potions of only 40% efficacy, a far cry from what Anna sought. These potions were still usable, and she was able to make 10 of them with just two drops.
It was difficult but she had to try again.
She also needed to tame its power without diluting its essence. After all, if Dragon Blood was directly consumed, it might kill humans instead of helping them.
With meticulous care, she added a drop of blood to the solution she had been perfecting for days. The mixture hissed and bubbled as if protesting the intrusion.
Anna watched, unblinking, as she stirred in a pinch of powdered silverleaf—a rare herb known for its calming properties.
Next came the essence of moonflower, harvested under a full moon for its purity. Its luminescent sap glowed faintly as it met the Dragon Blood, their energies intertwining in a delicate dance.
Anna then introduced a sliver of sunstone to the brew. The gemstone, said to have bathed in sunlight for a hundred days, served as a counterbalance to the moonflower's cool touch.
Finally, she whispered an incantation—a word of binding taught to her by an ancient tome—to seal the potion's power safely within its liquid confines.
As the final ingredient settled, the potion's color deepened to a rich ruby hue. It seemed that she could only get three bottles this time. Nonetheless, the efficacy must've increased by a lot!
Anna held her breath as she decanted it into a crystal flask, her hands steady despite the fatigue that tugged at her bones.
The laboratory was silent save for the crackle of the fireside and Anna's measured breathing.
She held up one of the flasks to the light, watching as it glowed beautifully.
This potion was her masterpiece—a testament to her skill and determination.
"Shane will be surprised… I did it before the Zombie Wave…"
And as she labeled it with care, she allowed herself a small smile. Her work would not be in vain; this potion would be their edge in the battle to come.
Of course, after creating such a promising potion, Anna immediately visited Shane and showed one of the potions to him…
Shane, who was talking to Mr. Wadsworth about the possible actions in the worst-case scenario of the Zombie Wave, was immediately overjoyed just seeing Anna's face.
After all, she looked so happy, and it must be a piece of good news!
Soon, Anna shared the good news, and he was able to check the potion.
[ Dragon's Veil Elixir: A potent potion crafted from the rare essence of Dragon Blood. This elixir is a coveted treasure for adventurers seeking enhanced abilities and protection against the looming threat of the Zombie Virus and other diseases.
Benefits:
Enhanced Abilities: Temporarily boosts Strength and Agility, empowering the consumer for challenging quests and battles.
Viral Resistance: Provides 30 days of immunity to the Zombie Virus and other diseases, safeguarding against the relentless spread of infection.
Strength Boost: Offers a permanent minimal increase in strength, fortifying the consumer's combat prowess.
Agility Boost: Grants a permanent minimal enhancement in agility, allowing for swifter movements and nimble maneuvers. ]