Cherreads

Chapter 9 - Preparing 2

[Heckler & Koch G36C]

[Type: Compact-Assault Rifle

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO

Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds

Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)

Damage: Medium

Rate of Fire: High

Effective Range: 400 meters

Accuracy: Medium-High

Cost: 5,500 Blood Coins]

The G36C was lightweight and compact, making it ideal for tight spaces. Its accuracy and rate of fire were solid, but its damage rating was the same as the M4. Advik Bhardwaj considered that its lighter weight could be advantageous for prolonged encounters, especially since zombies often swarmed unpredictably. However, its shorter effective range could limit its versatility.

Advik Bhardwaj leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms as he reviewed his options. His circumstances demanded a weapon that was light, had sufficient stopping power, and could handle close-quarters combat efficiently. After a moment of deliberation, he made his decision.

He tapped on the system interface to confirm his purchase.

[Item Purchased: HK 416 – 4,000 Blood Coins]

[Remaining Blood Coins: 273,600]

The rifle materialized in front of him.

He picked it up, testing its weight. It was heavier than the MP5 but still manageable. The ergonomic design felt comfortable in his hands, and the increased accuracy and damage would be invaluable.

Next, he navigated to the ammunition section and purchased three boxes of 5.56x45mm NATO rounds, each containing 90 rounds.

[Item Purchased: 5.56x45mm NATO Rounds x10– 1,000 Blood Coins]

[Remaining Blood Coins: 272,600]

Advik Bhardwaj loaded a 30-round magazine into the HK 416, chambering the first round with a satisfying click. He slung the rifle over his shoulder, and as for the MP5.

With the Mawbeast proving that stronger, mutated zombies existed, he knew that the normal undead weren't the only threats anymore. His firepower was solid now, but if things kept escalating, he'd need better weapons, better armor, and a higher level.

The capsule was the perfect way to power level.

Still, it has its con. In order to maximize the booster effect, he needs to face zombies and kill them. Of course, it was a basic requirement. And he needs to kill a lot of them in order to fully utilize the effect.

That meant, facing off against the zombie horde.

He wouldn't want that. He was struggling when there were tens of zombies charging towards him. He needed to play it safe.

For now, his goal was to reach level 10. However—the experience points required to get to that level must be high. If every level, the experience points needed to get to the next level is more than six thousand, then he has to kill hundreds, if not thousands of zombies.

It's difficult.

Suddenly—there was a notification in his system.

[System Update: Experience points per unit kill are now tripled.]

New Base Rewards: 150 Blood Coins and 60 Experience Points per zombie kill.

"Wait, what?" Advik Bhardwaj exclaimed softly, his eyes scanning the notification that had just appeared in his system interface.

Thomas blinked, processing the sudden boon. This changes everything. It tripled base rewards , meaning each zombie kill would now net him 150 Blood Coins and 60 Experience Points.

His earlier calculation of needing to kill hundreds of zombies suddenly seemed far more achievable. A smirk crept across his face.

"Looks like the system's rooting for me," he muttered, gripping the edge of the dining table. The soreness in his body lingered, but his determination burned brighter now.

Still, he knew this was no time to celebrate or grow overconfident. The more the system gives, the higher the stakes become. The introduction of mutated zombies like the Mawbeast was proof that things were escalating.

Advik Bhardwaj leaned back, taking a deep breath as he planned his next move. If he wanted to maximize the capsule's effect, he needed to head somewhere with a higher concentration of zombies. But charging into a horde without a strategy was suicide.

His eyes wandered to the map of the city pinned to the wall near the dining table. It was dotted with red markers, each representing places he'd encountered zombies.

The city mall, just a few miles from his house, stood out immediately.

"Plenty of space, plenty of undead," Advik Bhardwaj muttered to himself. Malls were the epicenter of chaos when the outbreak began—crowded, confined, and teeming with people who likely turned into zombies. If he could lure small groups at a time, he could rack up kills without overwhelming himself.

However—he needed hardware.

Advik Bhardwaj scrolled through the Vehicle tab in his system shop, his eyes widening slightly at the options. Rows of military-grade vehicles filled the interface, each with detailed specifications and price tags that made him wince. Tanks, armored personnel carriers, IFV were available, but one vehicle stood out to him.

[Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV): M1278 Heavy Guns Carrier]

Cost: 45,000 Blood Coins

Specifications:

Armor Level: High

Engine: Turbo-Diesel

Top Speed: 110 km/h (68 mph)

Weapon Mount: Equipped with an M2 Browning .50 Cal Heavy Machine Gun

Capacity: Driver + 3 passengers, large cargo space.

Description: A state-of-the-art light tactical vehicle designed for rugged terrain and high-threat environments. Comes equipped with reinforced armor, exceptional off-road capabilities, and a mounted .50 caliber machine gun. Perfect for combat and survival situations.]

Without hesitation, he selected the JLTV and confirmed the purchase.

[Item Purchased: Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) – 45,000 Blood Coins]

The interface shimmered briefly before a notification appeared.

[Deploy Vehicle Now? Yes/No]

Advik Bhardwaj exited the house, then he entered parking lot and tried deploying it.

Suddenly, a glowing magic circle appeared on the pavement in front of him, its intricate patterns pulsing with a radiant blue light. Runes he couldn't understand spiraled around its edges, and a low hum filled the air. The circle grew brighter, and with a sudden flash, the JLTV began materializing before his eyes.

Bit by bit, the tactical vehicle took shape. First, the reinforced steel frame emerged, followed by its heavy-duty tires, angular armor plating, and finally, the mounted M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun perched on the turret. The process was mesmerizing, and within seconds, the vehicle stood fully assembled.

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