NOVEL NEXT Chapter 339: Argument
One of the leaders of these Zombie Extermination Squads was Swain, a towering figure with a rough appearance. According to his escort, his right arm was replaced with a prosthetic that could shoot poison arrows.
The next was Maurice, with a figure leaner than Swain but equally intimidating. This time, he had a left arm that could also be used as a blade for stabbing.
Lastly, Iseult, the lone female among them, had an advanced prosthetic right eye that glowed faintly as if it was trying to scan him.
Although he had just heard about them from the guard, he could confirm that they were indeed easily recognizable with their Prosthetics.
Seeing Shane's arrival, Lord Kang Zhen spoke first…
"Hello, Sir Shane... It's been a while. I'm sorry for calling you here on short notice. We are planning to conquer a Zombie Den nearby filled with Stoneskin Zombies. Are you interested?"
The sudden invitation didn't surprise Shane that much considering the fact that he was meeting with three leaders of the Zombie Extermination Squads of the Shelter.
"Stoneskin Zombies, huh… I've never encountered them before. I wonder what I will get in exchange for my service… Aside from that, is there a particular reason for inviting me?" Shane replied after considering his options.
"Ahemm… Of course, we can give you a reward. Aside from Zombie Cores, there are three Treasure Chests in this den. There were two Silver Treasure Chests and one Bronze Treasure Chest. I wish to borrow your strength to ensure this extermination task is conducted with low casualties. I can tell that you have the skills that will help us lessen the risk involved in clearing this den.
In exchange, you will receive the Bronze Treasure Chest."
The room fell silent as the proposal sank in.
Shane nodded, contemplating the offer… He wasn't too sure if that reward was already more than enough.
However, while he was thinking, Swain crossed his arms, a skeptical look on his face.
"With all due respect, Lord Kang Zhen, will one person obtain the Bronze Treasure Chest? Isn't that a bit too much? We have 24 seasoned members across our squads. What can Shane possibly contribute?"
Apparently, there were eight members in each squad… They were probably thinking that the reward was not enough for them, so they couldn't help but feel dissatisfied that their reward would lessen even more.
Maurice chimed in, "Exactly. Aside from that, we've never worked with him before. The stakes are high, and we can't afford to gamble on an untested ally. This is a dangerous mission, and we need every advantage."
Iseult, though more reserved, added, "I agree. We've all faced countless zombies, and we know how brutal they can be. We need a plan that guarantees success, not a wild card."
Shane just listened to their words as he felt a bit unsure of how to react to their sudden behavior. It wasn't like he had requested to join in their mission. It may seem like he was trying to take part in the rewards he doesn't deserve, but he knew very well why Lord Kang Zhen wanted his assistance…
In any case, the tension in the room escalated as the leaders debated Shane's involvement. Of course, Lord Kang Zhen did his best to explain that Shane would be a great addition to their ranks and that it would help them lessen the casualties because of his strength.
Kang Zhen also reminded the three leaders that the previous extermination tasks had over 30% casualty rare and they couldn't afford to keep losing precious manpower.
Swain still couldn't take it.
"We need someone who can hold their own in the heat of battle. No offense, Shane, but this isn't a training exercise." Your adventure continues at empire
Maurice also added. "We've lost too many good people to take risks. This isn't just about treasure; it's about survival."
Now, they changed their stance as if they just really cared about Shane and didn't want him to be injured.
Shane, feeling the weight of their scrutiny, stood his ground. In any case, the Bronze Treasure Chest doesn't sound too bad for a reward.
In just a few more days, the Boss Raid will start and this mission will help him get back into shape after doing alchemy for about five days.
"I may be one person, but I have faced challenges that would make you rethink your doubts. If you give me a chance, I can prove my worth."
They still felt unconvinced, but after a heated exchange of words, Lord Kang Zhen raised a hand to silence the room.
"Enough! If there are doubts about Shane's capabilities, let's settle this the old-fashioned way. A duel."
The leaders exchanged glances, the proposition doesn't sound too bad at all.
Kang Zhen continued, "Shane will duel one of you. If he can best his opponent, we proceed with the mission. If not, we will respect your concerns and seek another path."
***
Soon, Shane and the others made their way to the training grounds, a vast open area surrounded by towering walls and guarded by several sentinels.
News of the duel had spread quickly drawing a crowd of onlookers eager to witness the clash between the newcomer and one of the Extermination Squad Leaders
As they arrived, Shane took in the sight of the training grounds. The dirt floor was marked with various battle scars, remnants of past training sessions…
Guards stood at the edges to ensure the security of the place.
Lord Kang Zhen stood nearby, flanked by Iseult and Maurice, observing the proceedings with keen interest. Apparently, they have decided to have Swain fight against Shane.
"Remember," he announced to the crowd, "this duel will be fought unarmed. No firearms will be permitted. The goal is to demonstrate skill, strategy, and adaptability."
Swain then stepped forward as he cracked his knuckles… He was confident in unarmed combat, and he was actually a bit surprised that Shane had accepted the terms of the duel.
With a smirk, he stretched his arms and taunted, "Ready to get schooled, Shane?"
Shane couldn't help but chuckle as he realized that he probably wouldn't get along with this guy.
"Let's see what you've got," Shane replied as he steadied himself and assumed a fighting stance.