NOVEL NEXT Chapter 330: Captured
"Ten tokens… I guess it doesn't sound bad. I'll think about it." Shane replied as he continued looking around. If he could get 3 of these generators for 30 Healing Tokens, he didn't really mind it!
After all, he had already obtained enough Spirit Stones so he could comfortably use his Skill Infuser Talent as much as he wanted!
Shane's attention was then drawn to a few other interesting devices…
There was a Mechanical Lockpick, a tool designed to bypass even the most complex locks with ease. "Perfect for gaining access to secured areas," the advisor noted.
However, Shane already had lockpicking skills, and he also had Cloud and his Hacker Skills if the lock had a higher level of technology.
The next device was something that stunned Shane.
It was a Steam-Powered Exoskeleton, a wearable suit that enhanced the user's strength and endurance. "This can be a game-changer in combat or heavy labor… Well, not really much in combat, but it's still usable." the advisor said.
It appears that the exoskeleton was truly just made for labor.
Nonetheless, Shane was still impressed as the exoskeleton was a marvel of engineering, with a series of articulated joints and pistons designed to enhance the wearer's strength and endurance.
It was definitely meant to lift heavy things…
The advisor was also proud of this creation as he explained the gear even more.
Shane learned that the frame was made of lightweight steel, with leather straps and padding to ensure a comfortable fit. Tubes and valves ran along the limbs, connecting to a small steam engine mounted on the back. The engine hissed softly, releasing occasional puffs of steam as the advisor tried to show that it was working.
Shane approached the exoskeleton, his interest piqued. "This looks incredible," he said, examining the intricate mechanisms.
The advisor nodded. "It's one of our more ambitious projects. The Steam-Powered Exoskeleton is designed to assist with heavy labor, and in some cases, it can still be used in combat, especially if it's equipped with a heavy machine gun."
"Mhmm… I guess that's possible." Shane muttered.
"These things are a bit too expensive to make… I can only offer these Exoskeletons for 30 Healing Tokens each." The advisor said.
"After all, they're not that suited in combat unless you equip them with firearms."
Shane nodded, understanding the limitations. "Still, it's an impressive piece of technology. The potential applications are vast."
Shane could imagine the exoskeleton being used to build fortifications, transport supplies, and perform other critical tasks within the shelter. Despite its fragility in combat, it was definitely one of the best creations of the Ivory Gear Shelter's artisans.
"Would you like to try it on?" the advisor asked, noticing Shane's fascination.
Shane hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Sure, I'd love to."
With the advisor's help, Shane donned the exoskeleton. The leather straps were adjusted to fit snugly, and the steam engine hummed to life as it connected to the various joints and pistons. Shane felt a surge of power as the exoskeleton amplified his movements, making even the heaviest objects feel light.
"This is amazing," Shane said, lifting a heavy crate with ease. "I can see how this would be incredibly useful for labor tasks."
The advisor smiled. "Indeed. While it may not be suited for combat, the Steam-Powered Exoskeleton is a valuable tool for our community."
There were still other items displayed in this section of the workshop, but none of them were as impressive as the ones that the advisor introduced.
In the end, Shane decided to take three of the Steam-Powered Exoskeletons, three Portable Energy generators, ten Mechanical Grappling hooks, and twenty Noise-Making Lure.
All of them were only worth 135 Healing Tokens!
***
In the meantime, while Shane was busy with his task, Lysandra wandered through the bustling streets of the Ivory Gear Shelter…
Just like before, the market was alive with activity, each stall and shop offering a unique glimpse into the shelter's vibrant culture. The previous Zombie Horde's attack was already completely forgotten.
She passed by a stall selling intricate jewelry made from gears and gemstones, another displaying beautifully crafted leather goods, and yet another with an array of mechanical trinkets that moved and clicked with a life of their own. Enjoy exclusive content from empire
Of course, it wasn't only that.
The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, drawing her to a food stall where a vendor was grilling skewers of meat and vegetables. She couldn't resist trying a few, savoring the rich, smoky flavors.
"Delicious," she murmured, licking her fingers clean. This shelter was indeed not lacking in food. They seemed to have a decent source of meat and vegetables even though the shelter didn't have farmland.
She could only guess that they had obtained these through trades as well.
Continuing her exploration, Lysandra found a shop selling ready-to-wear clothes. The shelves were lined with practical yet stylish garments, perfect for a Survivor like herself. She picked out a few changes of clothes, paying with the gold coins Shane had given her earlier.
As she left the shop, her attention was drawn to a commotion nearby.
'Mhmm? What's going on?'
Suddenly, she saw a group of twenty or so guards dragging five living zombies into a facility!
These zombies were different from the usual mindless undead; they had a semblance of awareness in their eyes, although not too noticeable. Well, they could only growl as they were all chained down and had their mouths strapped.
These Zombies all looked injured and couldn't properly resist. Nonetheless, they were still very dangerous!
'They're definitely Survivor-type Zombies. Why are they capturing these Zombies?' She mused.
She was certainly curious why these Zombies were captured and not immediately killed.
'I should tell Shane about this…'
With this thought, she looked around and noticed that the crowd around her seemed unfazed, watching the scene with mild interest.
It was clear that this was a common occurrence in the shelter, but for Lysandra, it was a first. She had to know more.
Turning to a nearby onlooker, she asked, "Excuse me, what's going on with those zombies?"