Lyra warned Adam of approaching zombies, and Adam swiftly sliced through three in quick succession as they ascended the staircase. A variant suddenly leaped forward. Lyra quickly analyzed the immediate danger: the variant was about to explode with a massive fire radius.
Adam grabbed Lyra, and with the universal tool, smashed through the staircase door, rushing across the floor to escape the impending explosion. Zombies from different rooms poured out, hunting for Adam and Lyra.
As the explosion ripped through the staircase and into their floor, Adam focused on escaping, slicing through multiple zombies. Lyra, getting back on her feet, followed his lead. Adam then ran and smashed through a building window, Lyra close behind him.
Both plummeted from the building as the explosion engulfed the office floor. Adam's universal tool extended, transforming into a sharp metal whip that shot upward, grappling onto the rooftop. Adam grabbed Lyra's body, swinging them around to the other side of the building.
He extended another grappling hook, and both were pulled up to the rooftop by the tool's retraction. They scrambled over, adrenaline still pumping from their narrow escape from the variant's explosion.
A New Weapon: The Universal Projectile System
Adam took a moment to breathe, relieved to see Lyra safe. "That was too close for comfort," he admitted. "The universal tool is great, but close combat puts us at risk. Is there a way to use it like a gun from my world? We need a long-range weapon."
Lyra, still catching her breath, rapidly analyzed multiple blueprints and began to redesign a version perfectly suited for their predicament. She then presented her idea to Adam.
"This would be a good version of what you want," Lyra explained. "It can convert any type of material into projectiles. The weapon can expel the projectiles as big or as many as needed." Since mana was currently dangerous to use (as it could accelerate zombie evolution), this weapon would be ideal, offering infinite ammunition.
Lyra sent the blueprint to Adam. Adam studied the complex design, his amazement growing. "This is amazing, Lyra!" he exclaimed. "The weapon can be used infinitely, depending on what it can absorb!" Adam's awe at the weapon's blueprint underscored his appreciation for Lyra's brilliant intelligence.
The weapon's design incorporated an "eater" mechanism at the back that could claw away and absorb materials like metals, rocks, and glass. It then transformed these materials to be stored and turned into ammunition. The front of the weapon could be adjusted to various barrels: single shot, multiple shot, rapid fire, a cannon, or even a massive catapult.
Lyra's ability to maximize the universal tool's liquid state had unlocked new possibilities for its extended use. By focusing on minimal mana use for material conversion and barrel control, the zombies would be hit by projectiles instead of mana, mitigating the risk of further evolution.
Adam tested the blueprint, creating the weapon from the universal tool. Controlled by mana, it shapeshifted, clawing away parts of the rooftop building. Adam aimed down at the streets, littered with variants and zombies, and unleashed a rapid-fire barrage, clearing the streets of their existence.
He then spotted a giant zombie in the distance, scoped in, and shot it in the head with a larger projectile. Adam fired a huge cannon shot, causing an explosion in the streets, and finally, expelled a giant rubble ball that crushed through the streets below. Adam felt powerful, realizing the immense potential of the universal tool. At long range, he could now clear out hordes without putting either his or Lyra's lives at risk.