ccnovels Chapter 1201: The Shelter’s Benefits and the Price
Chapter 1201: The Shelter’s Benefits and the Price
[ Shelter Buff Activated ]
[ Standing before the statues of Legendary Shane grants all newcomers: +15% Stamina Recovery, +10% Health Recovery Speed, +5% Spirit Energy Output ]
[ Duration: Active while within New Genesis Shelter vicinity ]
"Whoa~"
"This is pretty good."
"Wait... Does it also affect the enemies planning to raid this Shelter?"
"No... I think Zombies won’t be receiving buffs."
"But what about enemy Clans or other Survivors with bad intentions?"
Bon laughed at their conversation and immediately said. "Don’t worry, that statue is different. If there are any raiders, there’s a switch we can use."
Seeing their doubtful expressions, he continued.
"These statues are important since many survivors get injured exploring the wilderness. Putting them outside the shelter will at least give them life support until they enter the shelter, where medics can help them quickly."
With this explanation, everything immediately imagined it happening and nodded in agreement.
This was indeed a good statue to put.
Soon, Bon’s squad moved through the gates with ease.
Their Resident Tokens were also taken out as they were scanned by the guards.
A quick inspection followed... They started checking arms, necks, and torsos for any trace of zombie bites. Once confirmed clean, they were waved through.
The soldiers were used to this routine... it was the price of safety in a world where infection could spread in seconds.
Meanwhile, Niles and his fourteen weary companions stood nervously before the guards.
Well, aside from the Turrets and Cannons mounted on the wall and Watchtowers behind the gates, unlike Bon’s team, they had no Resident Tokens.
The guards’ expressions hardened.
"No tokens, no entry," one guard said with a playful tone in his voice.
But Niles didn’t catch it and quickly produced a pouch of Zombie Cores, the currency demanded from outsiders. He even offered more, 10 Zombie Cores for each of them!
The fee was steep, but they had prepared for this moment. The guards were amused but they didn’t mind getting bribed!
It wasn’t prohibited at all.
Just like that, they accepted the payment, then directed them to the medical wing.
Doctors in white coats examined each survivor carefully.
Cuts, bruises, and fatigue were evident, but no bite marks or signs of viral infection were found. Relief washed over the group. Soon, the verdict was given...
"You are cleared. You’ll be issued Temporary Residence Tokens valid for three days. Within that time, you must secure employment or sponsorship within the shelter. Otherwise, you will be asked to leave."
The announcement struck Niles’ group like a hammer. Three days was not much, but it was a chance.
They felt determined to enjoy the benefits of this city!
They must find a way to stay here for a longer time!
"We’ll find work," Niles said firmly, and the others nodded in agreement.
The group entered the bustling heart of the shelter, and their awe deepened.
Unlike the other Survivor shelter they had visited or even those Neutral shelters, they had wandered through, New Genesis was different.
The streets were lit by Light Orbs harvested from zombies, glowing steadily in lamps and fixtures.
People moved with a clear purpose... They were traders, craftsmen, soldiers, and children alike.
The Marketplace was their first stop.
"Come here! Two Zombie Cores only! Hurry!"
Stalls lined the square, selling everything from dried meats and preserved fruits to enchanted trinkets and salvaged machine parts. Merchants shouted prices, haggled with some brave customers, and displayed goods proudly.
The place didn’t seem to have pickpockets or any beggars around. The air even smelled of spices, smoke, and fresh bread.
"Mhmmm... This place feels so different." Niles muttered.
Still, they continued observing the place...
It didn’t take much before they passed a cobbler’s shop, where boots and reinforced shoes were displayed.
Survivors needed sturdy footwear for scavenging missions, and the cobbler’s hands worked tirelessly, hammering nails into soles.
Next was a barbershop, where laughter could be heard again as the survivors trimmed their hair and beards.
Hygiene was more than vanity... it was morale that kept people fighting.
"Alright... Mark this place... We need a new haircut already."
After this matter, a coffee shop stood nearby with its aroma rich and inviting.
Gulp...
Niles’ group couldn’t help but gulp as it had been a while since they all had coffee!
They watched as steam rose from cups as tired workers sipped the rare luxury.
Beside it, a pastry shop offered sweet rolls and fruit tarts, a reminder of the world before the apocalypse...
"Ahem... Let’s continue looking around. It’s not too late to visit these places..."
But the clang of metal drew them to a smithy, where sparks flew as weapons and armor were forged.
Survivors queued to repair blades, reinforce shields, or commission new gear.
It was definitely one of the reasons why they did it
Restaurants dotted the streets, serving hot meals of stew, roasted meat, and bread. For many, this was the first time in weeks they had seen food prepared with care.
Beyond these, Niles’ group discovered more shops...
A herbalist’s stall, selling potions brewed from rare plants.
A scribe’s corner, where records were kept and letters written for those who could not read or write.
A tailor’s workshop, offering cloaks, uniforms, and protective gear.
A trinket shop, filled with charms, pendants, and small enchanted items, said to ward off evil.
Everywhere they looked, life thrived. The shelter was not just a fortress... it felt like it was a city reborn.
***
As exhaustion weighed on them, the group searched for a place to stay.
"Let’s go here..." Niles said after confirming the initial price.
Soon, they found an inn tucked along a quieter street. Its sign read The Lantern’s Rest.
Inside, the atmosphere was warm, with wooden tables, lanterns glowing softly, and a faint smell of soap and clean linen.
It was perfect!
The innkeeper greeted them kindly. "Temporary residents, eh? You’re welcome here Sir... Our rooms are modest, but you’ll have beds, baths, and meals. Just 7 Zombie Cores per night in each room. Breakfast is free..."
For Niles’ group, it was already more than enough!
Soon, they paid the fee and got a room for themselves.
They washed away grime in heated baths, their bodies sighing with relief. Fresh clothes were provided, and for the first time in a while, they slept on mattresses instead of cold ground.
***
As they lay in their rooms, the weight of the day settled.
They had survived the journey, passed the checks, and entered New Genesis Shelter. Now, the challenge was clear: within three days, they had to prove their worth.
Niles whispered to his companions before sleep claimed them...
"Tomorrow, we’ll find work. Whatever it takes, we’ll earn our place here."
The next day, it was still dark.
The sun had not yet risen when a Dragon’s Roar shattered the silence.
Roooaaar!
Niles and his companions bolted upright as they panic settled on them. None of them had known that a dragon lived here. Their first thought was that the Dragon Army had come to attack.
Soon, weapons were grabbed, but before they could act, residents nearby shouted reassurance. "It’s not the enemy! That’s Cinder, our protector!"
Confused, Niles rushed to the window. In the distance, he saw flames streaking across the night sky.
Niles used his Skill and soon sensed what was going on.
Through his Spirit Eye, he saw the dragon swoop low, obliterating a cluster of Thralls that had been creeping toward the walls under cover of darkness.
The ground shook as the creatures were reduced to ash.
Relief washed over the newcomers. The roar that had terrified them was not a threat but a shield. As dawn broke and the sun’s light began to spill across the shelter, Niles realized they were safe.
He dressed quickly, leaving the others to rest.
"Very well... Let’s find work!"
They had three days to prove themselves. He stepped into the streets, following the flow of workers until he reached a plaza.
At its center stood a large task board, covered with notices and requests.
Niles scanned the postings. T
here were simple delivery tasks, repair requests for damaged equipment, and gathering missions for herbs or scrap metal. These were straightforward, but his eyes were drawn to one standout notice...
[ Mech Frame Pilot Tryouts ]
Applicants will undergo simulation and live testing. Successful candidates will be trained and assigned to combat units. Benefits include permanent residence, high pay, and clan sponsorship.
Niles’ eyes lit up.
A mech pilot was one of the most prestigious roles in the shelter. If he succeeded, he would be set for life.
But another notice caught his attention, equally bold...
[ Volunteers Needed for Alchemist Experiment ]
High risk. Unknown side effects. Reward: 500 Zombie Cores, rare potion access, and Dragon’s Blood.
The reward was staggering compared to the smaller tasks!
Yet the danger was obvious. Few would risk their lives for an experiment, but desperation often pushed survivors to gamble...
Niles stood before the board, weighing his options... However, before he could decide on a new job post, a new one suddenly appeared!
This time, it was job related to Shane!