Chapter 149: Maya Joins the Harem
[Zombie Race Corridor Communication Device]
[Allows long-distance communication between Zombie Race military positions linked to an established Invasion Corridor.]
Cain’s expression immediately changed.
Nathan noticed the change in his expression.
"What is it?"
"A communication device."
The relaxed atmosphere inside the room disappeared.
Cain lifted the object from its stand and examined it more carefully. It was heavier than its size suggested, but the weight meant little with his current Strength.
"They can communicate between their military positions inside the Corridor."
Elara glanced toward the entrance.
"Then the other outposts might already know what happened here."
"Maybe."
Cain could not tell whether the device transmitted information continuously or only when someone actively used it.
He also had no idea how frequently the soldiers stationed here were expected to report.
Neither possibility was worth gambling on.
They had already destroyed the smaller camp farther south.
Now an entire outpost containing dozens of soldiers had suddenly gone silent.
Even if nobody knew what had happened yet, someone eventually would.
Cain secured the device around his waist instead of putting it inside his Inventory. He wanted to keep an eye on it in case anything changed.
"Change of plan."
Ron looked over.
"We’re leaving right away?"
"Soon."
Cain’s gaze settled on him before moving toward Elara and Nathan.
"But first, I’m getting your Cores to the Perfected Stage."
Ron’s expression immediately brightened.
"Finally."
The others gathered inside the command building while Cain cleared enough space near the center of the room.
He opened his Inventory.
Colored Orbs began appearing on the floor until a sizable collection had accumulated.
"Open them now," Cain said. "If you get something useful, use it. Give me anything none of you need."
Several people immediately moved closer.
They had collected too many rewards from the battle outside to inspect everything one by one while standing on the battlefield.
Since they were already stopping for Ron and the others to improve their Cores, this was the best time to sort through the loot.
Cain took out several Cyan Scrolls next.
He handed the first to Professor Ian.
Professor Irina received another.
Cole looked pleasantly surprised when Cain passed one to him as well.
Cain then stopped in front of Maya.
She looked at the Scroll in his hand before raising her eyes.
"For me?"
Cain held it toward her.
"You’re part of the group, aren’t you?"
Maya blinked before a smile appeared on her face.
"Thanks."
She accepted it.
The instant her fingers closed around the Scroll, a familiar notification appeared before Cain.
[Ding!]
[Maya’s Favorability toward you has increased considerably.]
[Maya has met the requirements to become an eligible Investment Target.]
Cain paused.
His eyes moved toward Maya.
She had already lowered her attention to the Cyan Scroll and clearly had no idea what had just appeared in front of him.
’Maya?’
Cain studied her briefly before dismissing the notification.
Apparently, her Favorability had finally crossed whatever threshold the System required.
"Go ahead and use it," Cain said.
Maya nodded readily.
Cain turned toward the resources they had collected.
He dealt with the Zombie Cores first.
The corrupted Cores were placed together before True Ruin flowed from his hands.
His control over the element had improved considerably after his Ruin Mana Core reached the Perfected Stage. The contamination disappeared much faster than before, leaving the purified energy inside intact.
Cain worked through the pile without stopping.
Once the Cores were finished, he brought out the Blood Crystals.
150 dark-red crystals appeared on the floor.
Purifying them individually would take far too long, so Cain handled several at once.
True Ruin spread across the crystals beneath his palms.
Dark traces emerged from within before being erased completely, while the concentrated blood essence remained untouched.
The process continued until the entire pile had been purified.
Colored flashes occasionally illuminated the room around him as the others opened their Orbs. A few people had already begun using their Cyan Scrolls as well.
Cain barely paid attention as they could discuss whatever everyone obtained later.
For now, his priority was the four people who had already reached Level 50.
By the time he finished purifying the Blood Crystals, dense Life energy had filled the surrounding air.
Ron stared at the pile impatiently.
Cain noticed it.
"Sit down."
Ron immediately dropped onto the floor.
Cain took out the three purified 2nd Echelon Cores.
One was placed in front of Ron.
Another went to Elara, while the last was given to Nathan.
Cain then divided 36 1st Echelon Zombie Cores between them, giving each person twelve.
Finally, he placed 30 purified Blood Crystals beside each pile.
Ron stared at the resources in front of him.
"All of this is mine?"
Cain raised an eyebrow.
"You want me to take some back?"
"No." Ron chuckled as he pulled the Blood Crystals closer and continued, "I was just making sure."
Cain ignored him as he looked toward Nathan instead.
Nathan had formed his Mana Core earlier than most of them, but his Core Stage had fallen behind Ron and Elara during their recent progression.
Cain glanced at the remaining Blood Crystals.
After considering it briefly, he moved another 30 toward Nathan.
Nathan looked at the additional pile.
"Another thirty?"
"Your Core is farther from the Perfected Stage than theirs. So, you’ll need more."
Nathan nodded.
"Got it."
There was no need for a longer explanation.
All three closed their eyes and began absorbing the resources.
The command room gradually quieted.
Cain remained nearby while occasionally glancing toward the communication device at his waist.
He had already witnessed enough Core advancement to know what was happening inside their bodies, so there was no reason to watch every change.
The resources disappeared steadily as their Mana Cores absorbed the purified energy.
Ron finished first, his Lightning Mana Core finally crossed the final threshold and stabilized at the Perfected Stage.
Elara followed soon afterward.
Nathan took longer.
His Wind Mana Core required considerably more energy, exactly as Cain had expected. The additional Blood Crystals disappeared one after another until only three remained beside him.
Then the Mana surrounding Nathan changed.
The Wind that had been leaking faintly from his body settled.
Nathan opened his eyes.
[Wind Mana Core]
[Stage: Perfected]
He released a quiet breath.
"Done."