As I read the part where I shouldn't mention how I got my system to Melianne, I silently said to myself that I'm truly fortunate to be granted this powerful system directly from the Creator.
After gathering my thoughts, I looked at Melianne and began explaining how I got it—from the moment I found the first mutant I ever encountered, to how I almost died there…
Then, suddenly, I awakened a powerful system that helped me fight off that disgusting, long-tongued monster.
I told her how it gifted me these powerful classes:
The Storeman,
The Close Combat Warrior,
and The Fortress Warrior—each of which played a huge role during the recent zombie horde attack.
As I continued to explain and disclose every aspect of my system,
Melianne listened intently. And once she seemed satisfied, she suddenly stood up and kissed me on the cheek.
Feeling her soft lips on my skin, I instinctively pulled back, my face flushing red.
"Why did you do that for?" I asked in shock.
"Oh, that's just a thankful kiss. If it weren't for you, all the people in this subdivision would probably be walking with the zombie horde by now... or worse, spreading misery to other survivors," Melianne said with a soft smile and a slightly pink face.
"But kissing me out of the blu—"
Before I could finish, she cut me off.
"Just let it slide, Jefford. I'm really indebted to you for saving me.
I know you have Ella—I can already tell there's something between you two. Don't worry, I'm not going to seduce you or anything. Just let me do this at least once."
She embraced me in a tight hug and then gently kissed my forehead.
"Thank you, Jefford. Rest assured, from now on I'll be your friend and companion. Let's survive this apocalypse together," she said with sparkles in her eyes.
Just as she said those words, the system screen appeared before me:
---
System:
Calculating total experience gained...
12%... 45%... 76%... 100%
Calculation completed.
Congratulations for leveling up, Master!
> Jefford Cliff (Master)
Level: 3 | EXP: 0 / 150,000
HP: 3800 / 3800
Mana: 3000 / 3000
Mana Regen: 2 MP/sec
Class:
Storeman
Close Combat Warrior
Fort Warrior
Attributes:
Attack: 50 (+45)
Attack Speed: 4 (+0.25)/sec
Speed: B-
Stamina: C+
Special Effects:
All Attributes ×200% (Close Combat Warrior)
Tenacity: HP <20% → All attributes +300%, damage +500%
Red Rune Power: EXP gain +500%
---
Seeing my steady growth, I got curious about how powerful she was after the battle. Yet when I tried to scan her status, the system blocked me.
---
System:
Action denied.
Your power is not yet strong enough.
Keep killing zombies and soon you shall be able to scan the status of fellow system users.
---
Seeing the message, I frowned—but it only fueled my resolve. I had to keep grinding. Keep growing. I needed to get stronger—not just for myself, but to protect those I love.
I rose from my bed and looked at Melianne.
"Thank you for taking care of me while I was asleep. Please take some rest for now. I'll just take a brief walk around the subdivision to see the damages," I said as I headed out of the room.
On my way, I glanced into the other room where Ella was sleeping.
She was still resting, but when I quietly stepped in, she slowly opened her eyes. And the moment she saw me, she rushed forward and wrapped me in a tight embrace.
"Jefford! You're finally awake—I missed you so much. Do you feel okay now?" she asked softly, her face buried in my chest.
"Yes... I'm fine now," I replied as I embraced her back.
After a few minutes of holding each other, I gently told her we should go out and check on the subdivision—see the damages, and see what everyone else was doing.
She looked at me with a warm smile and nodded.
As we stepped outside the house, she held my hand—her touch bringing warmth and comfort.
When we were finally outside, I scanned the area. The fortress wall still stood strong, with guards stationed at key points. Most houses were relatively intact, except for the ones near the area where we fought those giants.
As Ella and I continued walking, we spotted a small bonfire up ahead. There, many people—including my parents—were gathered, talking, laughing, and sharing warmth.
We made our way toward them, but before we could reach the group, a small child from one of the survivor families pointed at us.
"Hey everyone! Our saviors! The one who built the powerful fortress is awake—and the amazing healer who kept healing us!" he shouted, repeatedly pointing in our direction.
Soon enough, the survivors noticed us, and one by one, they approached us with warm smiles and gratitude. Their sincere thanks continued for several minutes.
And then... my parents stepped forward.
Without hesitation, they pulled me into a warm, loving embrace.
"We're so glad... that you're our son, Jefford," they said, their voices full of pride.
Feeling their warmth, my eyes welled up with tears. I hugged them back—an embrace full of love. Ella joined in as well, wrapping her arms around us.
It became a beautiful family moment. One that I would forever remember...
And always cherish.