Chef in the Apocalypse

Chapter 45: Spoils

As the dust settled on the battlefield, the group’s fatigue was palpable. Their steps were heavy, their breaths ragged as they moved through the desolate streets. They needed a respite, a moment to catch their breath and tend to their wounds.

Finally, they came upon another abandoned house, its windows shattered, its walls marred by time and neglect. It offered them a shelter, a haven where they could recover from the ordeal they had just faced.

Jayce pushed the creaking door open, and the party filed in one by one. The interior was dim, the feeble light filtering through the broken windows casting eerie shadows on the walls. They found a corner to sit, their bodies aching, their minds still reeling from the battle.

Jackie let out a deep sigh as she sank onto the floor. “Well, that was a close one,” she remarked, her voice a mixture of relief and exhaustion.

Colin chuckled, albeit weakly. “Aye, I thought I was gonna be troll food for a moment there.”

Amber nodded, her fire mage robes singed and tattered. “I’m just glad we managed to take it down.”

Zane, who usually kept to himself, chimed in, “Yeah, that thing was tough as nails. But we did it.”

Jayce leaned against a wall, his blue eyes scanning the room. “We did. Together.”

Lianna, always quiet but observant, spoke up softly. “Jayce, about what happened earlier…”

Jayce looked at her, his gaze unwavering. “I know, Lianna. You did well, thank you.”

She offered a small smile, a mix of shyness and pride. “We’re a team. We look out for each other.”

Brad and Paul, the swordsman duo, chuckled, their camaraderie evident. “Next time, though, let’s hope we’re not facing a giant mama troll.”

Laughter rippled through the group, a rare moment of levity amidst the seriousness of their circumstances. They were a mismatched bunch, brought together by the chaos of the world, but in that moment, they were united by a shared purpose and the bonds they had forged.

While their spirits were high, Jayce decided to capitalize on it. He reached into his inventory, pulling out various items that had dropped from the defeated High Troll. The group’s eyes widened as he displayed the loot before them.

“Looks like the mother troll had quite the collection,” Jayce quipped, his voice carrying a touch of weariness and amusement. He spread the items out on the floor for everyone to see.

Colin’s eyes practically sparkled as he caught sight of a massive shield. “What’s this?”

Jayce nodded, a grin forming. “Yes, that’s an Epic-tier shield. It should suit you well, Colin.”

Immovable Wall (Epic) Shield

Description: The Immovable Wall is a legendary shield that exudes an air of indomitable strength and unwavering resolve. Crafted from sturdy materials and empowered by the essence of the High Troll, this shield is a symbol of resilience and steadfastness.

Stats:

Vitality: +35

Strength: +10

Effects:

Overwhelming Aura: This shield radiates an aura of overwhelming presence. The wielder’s taunt ability is significantly enhanced, with a 100% increased chance to draw the attention of enemies. Monsters taunted by the wielder are also slowed by 40%, finding it more difficult to escape the grasp of the warrior.

Immovable: The Immovable Wall lives up to its name. Once it is planted firmly in the ground, it becomes immobile unless commanded by the wielder to move. This unique ability allows the wielder to create a steadfast defense or strategically control the battlefield.

Greater Bash: The shield possesses a fearsome offensive capability as well. When wielded as a weapon, the Immovable Wall has a 40% chance to stun monsters struck by its impact for a duration of 5 seconds. The sheer force of the shield’s bash can leave foes dazed and vulnerable.

Crafted through a fusion of magical essence and masterful craftsmanship, the Immovable Wall is not just a piece of equipment; it embodies the unyielding spirit of its wielder. As the bearer of this shield stands firm against the tides of adversity, they become a symbol of unwavering strength, capable of turning the tide of battle in their favor.

Colin’s eyes widened in disbelief as the Immovable Wall appeared in his hands. His gaze shifted rapidly between the magnificent shield and his companions, his expression a mix of astonishment and sheer joy. A grin cracked across his rugged face, growing wider and wider until it seemed like his joy might burst forth in a triumphant shout.

“Did you guys see this?!” he practically shouted, his voice filled with uncontained excitement. “Look at this shield! It’s like a fortress on my arm!” He held the Immovable Wall aloft, its gleaming surface catching the light in a display of undeniable power.

His comrades exchanged amused glances, their eyes sparkling with amusement at his childlike enthusiasm. Lianna chuckled softly and patted Colin on the back. “It suits you, big guy,” she said with an affectionate smile.

Colin’s grin only broadened, his eyes shimmering with the delight of a true adventurer discovering a treasure of immeasurable worth. “I mean, look at these effects!” he exclaimed, practically bouncing on his feet. “Overwhelming Aura, Immovable, and Greater Bash… This shield is like a dream come true!”

He swung the Immovable Wall experimentally, testing its weight and balance. With every movement, he seemed to radiate an air of invincibility, as if he had become an unbreakable bulwark ready to shield his friends from any danger.

As his joy reverberated through the group, they couldn’t help but be infected by his enthusiasm. The tense battle they had just endured seemed to fade into the background as they all shared in Colin’s exuberant celebration of his newfound treasure.

“That’s not all,” Jayce chimed in with a sly grin, watching the camaraderie that had enveloped his group. He reached into his inventory and produced a pair of gloves with intricate designs and a faint glow. He turned his attention to Amber, holding them out to her.

“These gloves,” he began, his voice warm, “will enhance your casting speed. Jackie has her Goblin Staff, and now you’ll have these.” He smiled, adding, “It’s important that each of us becomes stronger individually, for the strength of our group as a whole.”

Amber’s eyes widened in surprise and gratitude as she accepted the gloves. She looked around at her companions, who were nodding and offering encouraging smiles. She spoke in a coy voice, “Are you sure?”

Jayce chuckled, his eyes kind. “Absolutely. We’re in this together, and your power is just as crucial to the party.”

With the mood lightened and spirits lifted, Jayce playfully cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “Well, since we’re all in high spirits, how about I cook up something special for us?” he suggested with a grin.

Before he could even finish his sentence, the group’s reactions were nearly synchronized. Heads shook vehemently, and hands clutched stomachs that were still a bit queasy from their earlier feast during Operation Buffet. Laughter rippled through the air, a harmonious symphony of camaraderie and shared amusement.

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