After hearing what they could do once they endured it, they knew that this would indeed be a life-changing experience...
Just like that, they gritted their teeth and endured the pain...
Minutes passed.
Their muscles visibly swelled, and Shane could see their veins pulsing with energy. Some clenched their fists, staring at their hands in disbelief as strength surged through them.
Then, they groaned as their bones cracked and realigned with their frames, becoming sturdier.
By the twentieth minute, the changes were undeniable. Their skin flushed with vitality, and their eyes even started glowing faintly with energy.
One recruit punched the ground instinctively, leaving a shallow crater in the dirt. Another staggered to his feet, only to realize he could balance effortlessly despite his exhaustion.
Shane watched calmly, noting the signs of transformation he
could
see... They had stronger grips, steadier movements, and raw power radiating from their bodies.
By the thirtieth minute, the process was complete. The ten recruits stood tall as they steadied their breathing...
They flexed their arms, tested their legs, and exchanged astonished looks.
One of them muttered, voice trembling with awe, "I feel... unstoppable."
Another recruit clenched his fists, staring at the veins glowing faintly beneath his skin. "My strength... itâs doubled. No, more than doubled! I could crush a zombieâs skull with one hand! Haha! This feels awesome... Wait, even my voice grew deeper."
A third laughed nervously, then jumped in place, landing with perfect balance. "Did you see that? I didnât even stumble. My body feels... precise. Like I was born for combat."
One of the younger men looked down at his arms, wide-eyed. "I used to get tired just carrying buckets of water... now I feel like I could run for hours without stopping."
A woman among them raised her hand, flexing her fingers as sparks of energy danced faintly across her skin. "Itâs not just strength... I can
feel
my reflexes. My body reacts before I even think."
Another recruit grinned, baring his teeth. "Zombies wonât stand a chance. If they come here, Iâll tear them apart. Boss Shane, I feel like Iâm no longer suited as a farmer... With this strength, I might as well hunt Zombies!"
One of the quieter men finally spoke as he agreed on this matter.
"I donât feel fear anymore. My heart is calm... even though I know whatâs out there."
The last recruit chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief. "Leader Shane... whatever this serum is, itâs a miracle. Weâre not just Survivors anymore. Weâve essentially become soldiers. Maybe just a few hours of training with proper weapons would be more than enough to get us ready."
They were all confident, and Shane liked that.
"Good. Thatâs exactly what I need."
The group exchanged looks as they nodded to each other... Their previous doubts were completely gone. Even if this shelter was small, they knew that they could protect it and help rebuild it for the better.
If Shane had more of those serums, then this place would be filled with Super Soldiers like them...
The transformation had given them more than power, it had given them confidence.
Shane studied them, satisfied with the result. "Youâre no longer ordinary. Youâre my Super Soldiers. And together, weâll make this outpost better."
After a few moments, Shane noticed that they still looked too simple...
"Right... Theyâre still in their novice gear..." Shane muttered as he opened his inventory again and handed each of them weapons...
They were rifles, pistols, and combat knives. The recruits accepted them eagerly, their hands steady and confident.
[ M4A1 Carbine (Assault Rifle): A selectiveâfire rifle favored by modern military forces. Effective range 500 meters, 30-round magazine. Reliable, lightweight, and adaptable with attachments. ]
[ Glock 17 (Sidearm Pistol): A semi-automatic handgun known for its durability and ease of use. 17-round magazine, accurate at short range, quick to draw. ]
[ KAâBAR Combat Knife: A militaryâgrade fighting knife, sharp and versatile. Designed for close-quarters combat, survival tasks, and utility work. ]
Needless to say, everyone felt excited after getting those weapons.
"This feels... natural. Like it was made for me."
"Sharp, balanced... I could gut a zombie in one strike with this knife..."
"Finally, a sidearm I can trust. Quick draw, clean shot."
"Well... Iâve never used these before. Someone teach me, please."
Of course, there wasnât just one who had no idea how to use the weapons, so Shane had to train them later.
But he wasnât finished yet.
He produced twenty glowing vials... They were Skill Potions and he handed two to each recruit.
"These will give you combat mobility," Shane explained. "Drink them."
The recruits obeyed, consuming the potions.
One of them didnât like the taste of it but as soon as he got the notifications, he felt incredible...
[ You have obtained the skill FiveâMeter Jump. ]
[ FiveâMeter Jump Lv7: Harness explosive leg strength to leap up to five meters vertically or horizontally.
Effect: Leap distance up to 5 meters in any direction.
Duration: Instant.
Cost: 15 Spirit Points.
Cooldown: 10 seconds. ]
"This is awesome!"
"Whoa~ Five-meter jump?! I want to try it now..."
"Wait... Drink the next one first."
Just like that, they contained their excitement and drank the last vial.
[ You have obtained the skill Armored Dash. ]
[ Armored Dash Lv7: Propel yourself forward with exceptional speed while encased in a protective shield. This allows you to knock obstacles aside and absorb minor damage from incoming attacks.
Effect: Increases movement speed by 50% and reduces damage taken by 80% during the dash.
Duration: 5 seconds
Cost: 40 Spirit Points
Cooldown: 20 seconds ]
Shane then watched the ten test their new skills...
They knew their excitement and didnât stop them. He was happy to see how excited they were.
One leapt onto the roof of a half-collapsed building with ease, while another dashed forward with a faint protective aura.
Shane smirked. "Perfect. Now youâre not just Survivors... youâre soldiers."
Soon, the ten stood in formation with their weapons ready and their bodies brimming with power...
Unfortunately for them, their first task wasnât to fight against the Zombies...
"Now... Letâs build a wall!"