CHAPTER 1662: BACK TO THE SURVIVORS CAMP

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Maria returned to the survivors’ camp after finishing preparations for her Undead production farm. There were still a few adjustments to make and additions to implement, but she planned to handle those in the background using the Phantom Clones she had left behind.

At the camp, she found the survivors in the midst of cooking stew with ingredients they had harvested, along with meat and supplies donated by Alma and Jonathan. Fresh tomatoes, potatoes, and even apples had been used to create a rich, aromatic stew—its savory scent was one many in the camp had long missed.

By the time Maria arrived, Jenifer was nearly finished preparing the meal. Everyone was gathered around a large wooden table, seated on mismatched chairs, waiting for their share. The survivors had brought bread and drinks to contribute to the humble feast—one they hadn’t enjoyed in years.

"Looks like we’re just in time," Emeraldine giggled. "It smells delicious."

"Hmm, I guess it’s not bad," Partner nodded.

"Looks like the lake you made had fish too. They caught quite a few," Lucifer noted, spotting buckets filled with freshly caught fish, some already sizzling on the grill.

"Yeah, I helped catch them!" Nyx chimed in, running toward her father while munching on a grilled fish skewered on a stick.

"I see. So that’s why you’re eating one now, huh?" Lucifer laughed, patting her head as she beamed. "Were you that hungry?"

"I’m always hungry for tasty food! I love fish," Nyx said, wagging her tail as she hugged her father, then her mother. "Mama! How did it go? I sensed a big fight happening..."

"Ah, it went really well. Don’t worry," Maria replied with a nod. "The Zombie Lords and that Mother Zombie Queen are under my control now. This world should be safe."

"Y-You really defeated all the Zombie Lords?" Jenifer asked, approaching them and handing off the task of serving food to others. "And what do you mean by a Mother Zombie Queen? What happened?"

"It was the Flesh Pit you knew. Turns out it was actually a gigantic worm," Maria explained. "It’s so massive that you could probably see it from the watchtower."

"A-A worm?" Jenifer gasped.

"I still don’t know if it came from space or was created by humans," Maria said. "Maybe that ambiguity is part of its mystique. It could be either, based on what I’ve discovered. Also, the virus is strong enough to affect aliens—if I choose to use it that way."

"You can... manipulate the virus?" Jenifer asked, visibly stunned.

"Yeah, something like that," Maria nodded. "I gained a few abilities after defeating it. But for now, all you need to know is that your world is safe. Your people can live in peace and even thrive, if you choose to. There’s nothing to worry about for the moment."

"Well, if you say so, we’ll trust you, Maria," Jenifer said. "Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. I wish you could stay the night and leave tomorrow, but I won’t stop you if you’re in a hurry."

"I’ve left some Phantom Clones behind, so you can speak with them if you ever need anything," Maria said. "They look like me, but they’re more... ghost-like."

"Oookay, sure," Jenifer nodded. "Thanks."

Maria joined the survivors for a hearty meal, listening to their stories and learning how they had endured life in this chaotic, apocalyptic world. In turn, she shared her plans for Necroterra and the Zombies she had recruited.

The survivors weren’t thrilled about her intention to use the planet to build a perfect zombie army, but they couldn’t argue much. It was still a vast improvement over their previous circumstances. Maria even promised to provide materials, food, and technology if they wished.

The offer excited many of them. Although she also offered to help them acquire their player titles easily, they declined. They wanted to remain Terrans—the name the people of Terra had given themselves. Despite the losses and the exodus, they saw themselves as the last survivors and hoped to rebuild their civilization, or at least a peaceful village, on their own terms.

Maria understood. She had her own village back on Yggdrasil. She shared stories from her home and other places she had visited, which the survivors found fascinating.

Time flew as they exchanged anecdotes and chatted. Eventually, Maria noticed it was getting late. She wanted to reach Floor 40 before the day ended.

This floor was special—a world where she had promised to help resolve a Calamity. It was also rich in knowledge and resources, offering her a chance to grow stronger and refine her abilities.

"Thank you for everything, Maria. You’ve done more than we could have imagined," Jenifer said.

"No problem. If you ever need help, just ask my Phantom Clones," Maria replied with a wink.

"Ah, well, we’d feel terrible asking for more... and it kind of hurts our pride," Jenifer admitted. "If we keep relying on outside help, it won’t feel like our victory. We’ll survive on our own. The lakes, rivers, farms, and vegetation you gave us—that was more than enough."

"Are you sure? Well, if you ever change your mind, just ask," Maria smiled. "I’m the guardian of this world now, so I have to take responsibility."

"Hm, will do," Jenifer nodded.

As Maria walked away from the camp, a new notification appeared—another trial completed, one she hadn’t formally received, similar to Atlantis.

Ding!

[Congratulations! You have completed the {42nd Floor Trial}.]

[You have tamed every Zombie in Necroterra, defeated all Zombie Lords and the Zombie Mother Queen, and freed the world from any major threat. The original trial, which required slaying 100 Zombies, has been rewritten to reflect your accomplishments.]

[Trial Rewards Received:] [+130,000,000 System Points] [Floor Skipping Ticket (Party)] x1 [Undead Enhancement Soul Scroll (SS Grade)] x5 [Soul Elixir (SS Grade)] x2 [Necroterra Astral Key (S Grade)] x1 [Necromancer Skill Creation Card (SS Grade)] x1 [Necroterra’s Crystalized Nether Tear (SSS Grade)] x1

"Huh, interesting..."

The usual weapon and armor enhancement scrolls had been replaced by Undead Enhancement Soul Scrolls. These boosted basic Undead stats by up to +10, granting a permanent 100% increase across the board.

The Necromancer Skill Creation Card was a rare item that, when used, would grant her a random Necromancer skill she didn’t already possess—hopefully.

Then there was another "tear" item, this one tied to Necroterra. It allowed her to wield the Divine Throne’s power even outside the world, enabling her to manage its affairs and deploy the deadly Zombie Virus if needed.

She stored the rewards and immediately used the tear item, absorbing its energy and forming a permanent link to Necroterra’s Divine Throne.

"Not bad."

As the white portal appeared, Maria stepped forward once everyone was ready. She gazed at the radiant, heavenly staircase leading to another world—a sight that never failed to inspire awe.

This time, the dimensional membranes didn’t resist her passage. It felt as though the world itself was welcoming her into Floor 41.

FLASH!

Maria and her family stood on dark grass, surrounded by dried trees and shadow. There was no sky, no clouds, no moon—only the earth beneath them and the structure ahead.

An old manor loomed in the distance, built mostly of wood. Lanterns glowed softly, and dozens of windows revealed warm light within. Someone was inside.

But no one knew who.

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