In order for him to keep battling, he constantly reloaded the bullets of the M2 Browning using blood coins. And ever since he arrived at the city of Manila, he had killed over a hundred zombies to the point his level jumped from 8 to 10.
[You have reached level 10!]
[New feature unlocked! Summon troops!]
Advik Bhardwaj gritted his teeth as he pressed the accelerator, the JLTV rumbling forward despite the increasing strain on its systems. The once-pristine military vehicle was now covered in gore—chunks of rotting flesh, splattered blood, and smeared entrails coated the armored frame. The reinforced bumper was dented from plowing through countless undead, and the engine was beginning to emit a low, concerning groan.
The M2 Browning's continuous fire had thinned the horde, but the sheer volume of zombies was overwhelming. Despite the turret's automatic targeting, more of them kept flooding in from alleyways and side streets. The JLTV's tires struggled against the slick, blood-soaked asphalt, skidding slightly as Advik Bhardwaj maneuvered through the clogged roads.
A quick glance at the dashboard showed several warning indicators flashing red. Suspension damage. Minor engine strain detected. He had run over too many bodies, too many abandoned vehicles, and it was starting to take its toll. The weight of crushed corpses had lodged itself into the undercarriage, making each movement feel heavier.
More undead swarmed, slamming their decayed fists against the reinforced glass. Some even threw themselves at the JLTV, their bodies scraping down the sides as they clawed desperately at the armored plating. The windows held firm, but the pounding was relentless. If they kept this up, something was bound to give.
"Damn it," Advik Bhardwaj muttered. He needed to get out of this mess—fast.
His eyes darted across the environment, searching for an escape route. The streets were too congested with wreckage to speed through without risking a complete mechanical failure. The horde was growing, forming a near-impenetrable wall of bodies ahead. Even the .50 caliber wasn't keeping up with their numbers anymore.
Then he saw it—a basement parking entrance. A partially open ramp leading underground.
Without hesitation, Advik Bhardwaj yanked the wheel and veered hard toward it.
The JLTV bounced violently as it sped onto the ramp, the reinforced tires crushing another layer of undead in its path. The basement entrance was wide enough to fit, but the sharp turn scraped the side of the vehicle against the concrete wall, sending sparks flying.
Once inside, he barely had time to react. More zombies were already making their way toward the entrance, filling the open ramp behind him.
Advik Bhardwaj pulled his Glock 17 from its holster and rolled down the window just enough to aim, and squeezed the trigger.
Phfft! Phfft! Phfft!
The rounds struck the electronic panel controlling the parking gate.
CRACK! SIZZLE!
Sparks erupted as the panel shorted out, and the heavy metal gate groaned loudly as it jerked downward. The zombies charging toward him were just seconds away.
Advik Bhardwaj held his breath.
The gate slammed shut just as the first few undead reached it, cutting them off from him completely. A loud THUD followed as bodies crashed against the metal, but the reinforced gate held strong.
For the first time in hours, there was silence.
Advik Bhardwaj exhaled, his grip loosening on the Glock 17. He rolled the window back up and rested his head against the seat for a brief moment. His heart was pounding, his arms stiff from gripping the wheel.
The JLTV's engine rumbled in idle, the heat of its overworked systems radiating into the cabin. He looked at the dashboard again—more warning signals flashing. The damage from running over countless zombies, smashing into vehicles, and the sheer wear of prolonged combat had taken its toll. If he didn't stop to maintain the vehicle soon, it wouldn't last much longer.
But for now, he was safe. At least temporarily.
Advik Bhardwaj pulled up the system interface, checking his status.
[User: Advik Bhardwaj]
[Level: 10]
[Experience Points: 52,435/73,125]
[Skills: Combat Proficiency Level 2, Weapon's Proficiency Level 2, Charisma Level 1, Leadership Level 1.]
[Souls: 875]
[Blood Coins: 577,740]
Seeing that he could now summon troops, Advik Bhardwaj's eyes flickered with satisfaction. At long last, after dealing with hundreds of zombies, he could finally have someone fighting for him.
Not to mention, there were also new skills obtained such as Charisma and Leadership. Those two might be related to the new features.
And—as much as he wanted to summon one right now, he couldn't just yet. Looking out of the windshield, he saw fifteen zombies heading towards his vehicle. He can't use the M2 Browning as it is noisy and would attract the other zombie around the area.
So he hopped off the Oshkosh and summoned his MP5.
He lined up his shot and with a pull of a trigger, the submachine gun purred with controlled bursts.
Phfft! Phfft! Phfft!
Each shot struck true. The first zombie's skull caved in as the 9mm rounds tore through its decayed flesh, dropping it instantly. He shifted his aim to the next one.
Phfft! Phfft!
Two more collapsed, their bodies crumpling to the cold concrete. The remaining zombies staggered forward, their grotesque faces twisted in mindless hunger.
Phfft! Phfft! Phfft!
Another four fell. Then another.
By the time Advik Bhardwaj had put down the twelfth zombie, his MP5 clicked empty.
Shit. He had miscalculated his magazine count.
The final three zombies were already within arm's reach, their grotesque hands clawing toward him. Wasting no time, he holstered his MP5 and drew his Glock 17 in one smooth motion.
Phfft!
One shot to the forehead, and the closest zombie collapsed.
Phfft! Phfft!
The last two fell, black ichor oozing from their skulls as their bodies twitched before finally going still.
Advik Bhardwaj exhaled, his grip on the pistol loosening slightly. He scanned the basement, his ears straining for any signs of movement.
Silence.
Good.
He quickly reloaded both weapons, stuffing the empty magazines into his vest.
Now, with the immediate threats taken care of, Advik Bhardwaj had a moment to think.