novelraw Chapter 56: New Information About Zombie Cores
Chapter 56: New Information About Zombie Cores
The atmosphere in the laboratory was one of focused intensity as the team of researchers huddled around the operating table. The sterile white light of the room cast an almost theatrical spotlight on the zombie cadaver, creating stark shadows that stretched out across the floor.
"It’s time to extract it," the lead researcher stated, his voice a crisp note of command in the silence of the room.
The other scientists, clad in their immaculate lab coats, nodded without a word. Their faces were a mix of concentration and the fatigue that comes with repetitive, painstaking work. One of them, her hands steady and sure, reached for a scalpel that sparkled under the harsh lights. She met the gaze of her colleague, who gave her a brief nod—a silent communication of readiness.
The initial incision was made with a reverence that belied the gruesomeness of the task. Each researcher knew their role, their hands moving with the efficiency and grace of a well-rehearsed orchestra.
"Ensure the integrity of the marble is intact," reminded one scientist, his eyes not leaving the open cranial cavity. "Damage to the specimen will set us back considerably."
"Of course," responded the surgeon with the scalpel, her voice steady. "We’ve been through this enough not to make mistakes now."
Precision guided their tools as they worked to reveal the brain, a procedure they’d done countless times yet approached each time with meticulous care.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived, and a researcher let out a soft exhalation. "There it is," he announced a reverence in his tone for the glinting marble nestled within the gray matter.
"Careful, careful," murmured another as the object was delicately extracted and held up to the light. The marble glowed with a captivating allure, flawless and seemingly pulsating with an inner power.
Concealed from view, Zorvax and Ophelia absorbed every detail, the revelation of the marble shedding light on a previously unknown aspect of the zombies. Zorvax’s face was a study in contemplation; his brows furrowed as he considered the implications of this new discovery.
"Best quality marble, they say," he whispered to Ophelia, his voice barely audible. "This could be what they’re using for... who knows what. Weapons? Medicine? Control?"
Ophelia, ever the pragmatist, watched the scientists’ careful handling of the marble, her mind racing. "Looks important. Valuable, even."
Zorvax nodded in agreement, his thoughts already leaping ahead. "Valuable to us, too. If these marbles are what we’re collecting points for... Imagine what we could do if we had more of them."
Ophelia’s gaze met his, a shared understanding passing between them. "We need to get our hands on one of those," she stated, the prospect of gaining more power evident in her voice.
"Let’s stay focused and learn what we can. Then, we plan," Zorvax decided, his gaze returning to the researchers who continued their work, oblivious to the predators in their midst. "We need to know exactly what these marbles do before we make our move."
They remained in their secluded spot, absorbing the patterns and routines of the lab. Yet, as Zorvax was committing the last scientist’s face to memory, his system appeared before him.
---
[Level 2 Zombie Core]
---
He eyed the marble-like core on the lab table, then back at his system interface. "Are you saying that’s a zombie core?" he questioned silently, seeking confirmation from the system that seemed to be an extension of his own consciousness.
To his surprise, the system responded.
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[Yes, they are zombie cores, and they are the ones you need for evolution.]
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His frown was deep, his thoughts racing. "Then why haven’t you told me to collect the zombie cores when I’ve made the kills?" he queried, the confusion apparent in the tightness of his voice.
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[Because I have automatically collected them for you when they are killed.]
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Zorvax’s expression eased slightly, understanding dawning on him. "So, you can collect them...," he trailed off, pondering the possibilities this new information presented.
Then a thought struck him—when he was level one, there had indeed been an announcement about a Level 2 Zombie Core when he killed one.
But recently, after he became level 2, despite all the Level 2 zombies they’d killed, there had been no such notification. He probed the system further, "What about the Level 2 zombies Ophelia and I have taken down? Did you collect those cores?"
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[No, I don’t collect them.]
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His frown returned, deeper than before. "And why is that?"
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[Because they were all level 2 zombie cores, the only cores that benefit you and your summon are level 3 zombie cores.]
---
Zorvax and Ophelia stood in the shadows, their presence unnoticed as they digested the new information. Zorvax’s eyes, usually hard and calculating, showed a brief spark of intrigue as he considered the implications of their discovery.
"The marbles they have been collecting... they’re actually zombie cores," Zorvax whispered, sharing the revelation with Ophelia. "The system has been harvesting them without our intervention, but it seems only the cores from Level 3 zombies truly matter."
Ophelia’s gaze remained fixed on the scientists, her expression one of cold detachment. "So, we’ve been wasting our time with the lower levels," she said quietly, a note of irritation creeping into her otherwise steady voice. "We should’ve been hunting the bigger game."
"Right," Zorvax agreed, his voice a low rumble. "From now on, we prioritize Level 3s. They’re our ticket to gaining more strength."
Ophelia gave a sharp nod, her fists clenching slightly—a small tell that revealed her eagerness to get back to the hunt. "Let’s get moving then. There’s no point in sticking around here."
"Hold on," Zorvax interjected, his hand resting on her shoulder to still her rising impatience. "We know what we’re after, but we don’t yet know what these humans intend to do with the cores. That’s information that could be valuable."
Ophelia paused, her body tense like a spring coiled tight. She gave Zorvax a long look, her eyes searching his. Finally, she exhaled, the tension leaving her shoulders. "Fine. We’ll stay and observe. But not for too long," she acquiesced, her voice dropping back to a whisper.
Zorvax nodded, satisfied with her response. "We’ll watch and learn what we can. Then, we’ll make our next move."
Together, they settled back into their vantage point, watching the researchers with renewed interest. As the scientists continued their meticulous work, extracting cores and cataloging their findings, Zorvax and Ophelia remained silent, vigilant observers plotting their path forward in this world where every being, living or undead, was a potential source of power.