System Mania!

Chapter 10: Grind

The trio's plan took shape amidst the chaos of the parking lot.

Lily and David lured the zombie hordes, their movements purposeful and deliberate, leading the undead away from the Lich's ominous presence.

Korig, using his enhanced speed and newfound agility, slipped away from the main group, his path taking him on a circuitous route behind the advancing horde.

As Korig deftly navigated the maze of cars, he couldn't help but marvel at the reality that had become an extension of his own storytelling.

The concept of leveling up, of increasing his attributes, was a notion straight out of the webnovels he had once crafted.

And now, he was living it, a protagonist in his own tale, shaping his destiny through calculated actions.

System windows blinked into existence before his eyes as he executed each precise strike, the crowbar becoming an instrument of focused destruction.

Damage increased

the screen proclaimed as skulls shattered beneath the force of his blows.

Speed increased Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m nov𝒆lb(i)n.c(o)m

it announced as his movements flowed with unparalleled fluidity.

Strength increased

it declared as he effortlessly overpowered the undead, each swing a testament to his growing might.

Dexterity increased

it stated, acknowledging the precision with which he dispatched his enemies.

Behind the horde, Lily and David joined the fray, their attacks synchronized with Korig's movements.

Lily swung her hammer with a mix of determination and surprise, while David wielded the steel pipe with a newfound strength.

Together, they formed a seamless dance of destruction, each blow a step towards leveling up their attributes.

As the first wave of zombies fell, a sense of accomplishment surged through them.

David wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes wide with amazement.

"Did you guys see that? Our stats actually went up!"

Lily's gaze shifted between her system screen and the ongoing battle.

"This is unreal. It's like we're in a video game."

Korig grinned, his focus unwavering even amidst the exhilaration.

"That's the crazy part, it's like we're living out one of those novels."

"But remember, we need to take down as many zombies as we can to gain an advantage against the Lich."

With renewed determination, they pushed forward, taking down wave after wave of zombies, each strike an investment in their strength.

The thrill of leveling up, the surge of energy that accompanied each stat boost, it all fueled their resolve to overcome the odds.

And then, as the second horde closed in, Korig's gaze shifted to the distant figure of the Lich.

Its hollow eyes remained fixed on the ongoing battle, its presence a constant reminder of the looming challenge.

"Time's ticking," Korig said, his voice steady even as the intensity of the battle raged around them.

"We've got to keep going."

"Lily, David, let's use the same strategy we discussed earlier. I'll circle around the horde, and you two lure them in."

"Once they're focused on me, attack from behind."

Lily and David nodded, their determination mirrored in their eyes.

As Korig circled around the cars, his mind honed in on the rhythm of battle.

He timed his movements with precision, waiting for the right moment to strike.

With the horde now focused on Korig's presence, Lily and David launched their assault from behind.

Their attacks were fierce and calculated, each blow landing with a force that belied their determination to level up their stats.

The system windows flickered with each successful strike, affirming their progress.

As the horde faltered under the dual onslaught, Korig's crowbar struck true, a whirlwind of devastation that culminated in shattered skulls and defeated enemies.

The collective efforts of the trio had reduced the horde to a mere memory, an embodiment of their resolve and the strength they had gained.

As the echoes of the battle faded, they stood amidst the fallen undead, their breaths heavy but triumphant.

Korig's system screen displayed his enhanced stats, a testament to their success.

Lily and David's screens mirrored the same, their attributes now bolstered by their shared efforts.

Amidst the aftermath, the Lich's gaze remained unyielding, its stance unchanged.

But now, the trio faced it with a renewed confidence, armed with increased strength and the knowledge that they were authors of their own destinies.

...

With the horde defeated, the trio stood amidst the remnants of their battle, a mix of exhaustion and triumph filling the air.

Korig wiped sweat from his brow, his gaze shifting between his companions and the remnants of the undead he had taken down.

The numbers on his bonus objective had dwindled to 35, a testament to their combined efforts.

The main objective's countdown continued, the clock ticking away with a sense of urgency.

25 minutes remained to survive, to prove that they were more than just victims of the chaotic events that had unfolded.

"We're doing pretty well," Korig said, his voice a blend of pride and determination.

"We've taken down a good chunk of the horde, but we can't let our guard down."

"There are still hundreds more throughout the mall and parking lot."

Lily nodded, her expression a mix of weariness and resolve.

"Yeah, we can't afford to underestimate them. And we still need to figure out how to take down that Lich."

David chimed in, his grip on the steel pipe tight. "I'm with you guys. We've come this far, and I'm not giving up now."

As Korig listened to his friends, a battle raged within him, a conflict of choices and desires.

He couldn't help but feel the pull of the system, the allure of increased strength and power.

The opportunity to grind, to level up, it was an intoxicating prospect, one that resonated with his years of crafting webnovels.

Yet, he also recognized the danger that lay in becoming consumed by that desire.

He didn't want to lose sight of what truly mattered, the safety of his friends, the survival of the trio in this world turned awry.

His gaze turned to the entrance of the mall, his mind's eye imagining the countless zombies that still roamed within.

He yearned to enter, to face them head on, to emerge stronger than ever before.

But he couldn't ignore the possibility of risking their lives, of succumbing to the very power he sought.

"Guys," he began, his voice carrying the weight of his internal struggle, "I know we have the chance to go inside, to take down even more zombies and level up."

"It's tempting, I won't deny that. But we can't forget why we're here. We need to find a way to defeat the Lich and survive."

"It's not just about power, it's about protecting each other."

Lily nodded in agreement.

"He's right. As much as we want to become stronger, I don't want to lose sight of what's important."

David's expression softened, his determination unwavering.

"We've got each other's backs. And we'll find a way to beat that Lich together."

Korig's heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and relief.

He was surrounded by friends who understood the delicate balance between strength and responsibility.

The choice was clear, it was about using their power wisely, about embracing growth without losing themselves in the process.

As they stood there, the trio forged a silent pact, a promise to support each other in this world of uncertainty.

The battle within Korig's heart slowly began to subside, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose.

It wasn't just about the journey to become stronger; it was about the journey to protect, to overcome, and to prove that even in the face of the unknown, the power of friendship and determination could triumph.

Distortion

"HAHAHAHAH"

"You are weak"

...