Global Awakening: Infinite Gift Pack System

Chapter 338: The Carcass, The Illusion, and The Water

The clearing was filled with cheers as the Golden‑Horned Bull finally collapsed, its golden horns were still warm and filled with energy even as life left its body.

The Super Soldiers lowered their weapons, while Ralph’s Team also raised their rifles in triumph.

"It’s done!" Ralph shouted, and his voice carried across the battlefield.

Renji then stepped forward with excitement. His Appraisal had confirmed what they all hoped for... the carcass was pure, edible, and rich in energy.

The horns contained condensed spiritual power, and the hide was durable enough for crafting protective gear.

For a moment, the exhaustion of battle faded.

Survivors laughed, clapped each other on the shoulders, and even the stoic Super Soldiers allowed themselves a faint smile.

Renji grinned wider than anyone.

"I was planning to head to Cameron City soon... but forget that. I’m not leaving until I’ve had a taste of this Golden Bull!"

"Hahaha!"

"Makes sense!"

"Don’t hurry to leave the shelter!"

The others chuckled at his enthusiasm.

After weeks of eating dried meat, canned goods, and bread, the thought of fresh, powerful meat was intoxicating.

The carcass was secured quickly.

The horns were carefully removed and stored in one of the prepared crates, while the body was lifted onto a cart.

As for the other black bulls, their horns were harvested, but their bodies were left behind. Everyone knew their flesh was inedible as they were poisoned by corruption.

With the Golden Bull secured, the hunting party began the trek back to the shelter.

The cart creaked as they pushed it along the muddy path, the carcass of the Golden Bull weighing heavily, but it was filling the air with anticipation.

"I swear, just smelling it makes me hungry already," one of Ralph’s riflemen muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

"Hah, wait until tonight," another replied. "They say the meat gives strength. Imagine eating it before a mission... your stamina will skyrocket."

Renji chuckled, walking beside the cart. "I heard stories that even the tongue is edible. Some people used to stew it. They said it was chewy but packed with energy."

"Tongue, huh?" Castor grinned as he couldn’t imagine eating a tongue.

"I guess it’s better than dried jerky. But I’ll eat anything if it gives me power."

The group laughed, their voices carrying through the forest.

Another Super Soldier then spoke in his usual calm tone. "The horns are valuable, but the meat... Is it true that it gives a little bit of Gene enhancement?"

"Yeah," Ralph answered while his rifle was slung across his back. "But even without any enhancement, we’ve been running on canned sardines and bread for weeks. Even one egg a day isn’t enough... The bones will at least give us some nice broth."

Another rifleman added, "I heard from Wallace that the last time someone ate Golden Bull meat received a buff from the system itself."

Renji grinned wider. "That’s why I’m staying. Cameron City can wait. I want to feel that boost for myself."

The cart jolted over a rock, and Castor steadied it with one of his massive hands.

"Careful. Don’t damage the carcass. Every piece counts."

"Relax," Ralph said, smirking. "We’ll get it back safe. And when Mila’s crew cooks it, we’ll eat like kings."

This time, Renji recalled of something.

"You know what they say... the bull’s organs, especially the balls, are eaten in some places. Supposed to give men strength at night."

"Hahaha! I heard about that! Bull’s testicles... They gave you stamina, right?" someone teased, earning laughter from the group.

"I’ve heard that too. Some shelters stew them, claiming it boosts vitality. Guess we’ll find out soon enough."

Their laughter then carried forward.

But as they neared the familiar path, something strange happened.

"W‑what...?" one of the riflemen muttered, slowing his steps.

The shelter was gone!

"H-hey... Where’s the shelter? Am I looking in the right direction? Maybe that clearing was where the shelter was previously located? Did it get nuked or something?!"

"W-what happened? I didn’t sense any battles just now."

"Did they release some kind of new robot or something?"

Everyone felt shocked.

Where the walls and watchtowers should have been, there was now a hill covered in lush greenery.

"W-wait... If it’s nuked... There shouldn’t be anything here. T-that hill... I’m sure of it. That’s where the shelter was supposed to be!"

"It didn’t get nuked... It got covered by a hill!"

They couldn’t help but pause as they watched the trees sway gently in the wind...

They also saw vines draped across rocks, and the faint sound of birds echoed through the air. It looked like a natural forest, untouched by human hands.

"W‑what happened?" Ralph could only repeat his words.

The Super Soldiers tightened their grips on their weapons, unsure if this was an illusion or a trick by the A.I. Army.

"Did we... lose the way?" Renji asked nervously.

But no... the markings on the road were still there, carved deliberately by scouts. And the radio signal from the shelter was strong, guiding them forward.

"This is the right place," Castor said firmly.

"But it looks completely different."

Confusion spread among the group.

If not for the road markers and the radio beacon, they would have failed to find their own home.

Thankfully, a figure suddenly appeared just outside the hill!

It was a figure of a woman!

It didn’t take that long before they recognized her!

It was Claire who stepped forward!

"Don’t panic. This is our doing."

Everyone focused on her, curious about this situation.

Claire explained, "While you were busy hunting, I purchased a special item from the Reputation Store. It’s an illusion device. When paired with our advanced barrier generator, it cloaks the shelter in a natural disguise. To outsiders, it looks like a hill with a forest. To us, it’s still the same walls and towers."

The group stared in awe. Many of them had no idea about the Reputation Store.

However, they knew that it was related to the Foreign Survivors!

"You mean... the shelter is hidden?" Ralph asked.

Claire nodded. "Exactly. No enemy will find us easily now. Even if they scout the area, they’ll see nothing but wilderness."

Relief washed over the hunters.

What had seemed like a terrifying disappearance was actually a brilliant defense.

Renji laughed nervously.

"You almost gave me a heart attack. I thought we’d lost everything."

Claire smirked. "Better a heart attack than an ambush. This illusion will keep us safe."

The Super Soldiers relaxed as they realized just how amazing this upgrade was...

Ralph’s team exchanged glances... They were also impressed by the ingenuity.

"Smart move," Castor admitted.

"Since it works perfectly with the barrier generator, the A.I. Army won’t find us."

Just like that, the group pushed forward.

Then, as they crossed the invisible threshold, the illusion shimmered, and the true form of the Codebreakers Shelter emerged...

Finally, they saw the walls, watchtowers, tents, and bustling survivors.

The cart carrying the Golden Bull was wheeled inside, greeted by cheers from those waiting. Word spread quickly... the hunters had succeeded, and the shelter itself was now cloaked in a powerful illusion.

It was definitely worth celebrating!

Renji grinned again, patting the cart. "Cameron City can wait... Maybe next week..."

"Hey! The monthly ranking is almost over... You should be leveling up if you want to retain your ranking..."

***

In the meantime, Atom stood silently at the edge of the courtyard... Its black armor was a bit dusty, but its appearance still looked imposing...

The Rank S Sentinel did not speak, but its optics scanned constantly, recording every movement, every sound around it.

Nonetheless, Kai’s last command echoed within its core systems...

Protect the shelter. Follow Claire, Mei, Althea, and Sera, as long as they do not go against the Three Laws.

The Three Laws were imprinted deep into its protocols...

First Law: Never harm Kai, nor allow him to come to harm through inaction.

Second Law: Obey Kai’s commands, unless they conflict with the First Law.

Third Law: Protect its own existence, as long as that does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Atom remembered them clearly.

They were the framework of its existence, the unbreakable code that defined its purpose.

Its optics shifted as footsteps approached.

There was a familiar young woman who entered the courtyard, carrying a bucket of water, a sponge, and dishwashing liquid.

Atom’s sensors identified her immediately... one of the shelter’s workers assigned to maintenance.

She stopped in front of the towering Sentinel, looking up with a nervous smile.

"Alright... time for your bath."

Atom processed the words. It understood the intent.

Cleaning was maintenance. Maintenance preserved its existence.

The Third Law aligned with this action. No conflict detected.

The woman dipped the sponge into the bucket, squeezing out suds before pressing it against Atom’s armored chest.

Soon, water streaked down the black plating, carrying away dust and grime from its previous battles or missions.

Atom stood motionless, allowing her to work.

Its sensors registered the temperature of the water, the chemical composition of the soap, and the pressure of her movements.

Every detail was cataloged, analyzed, and stored...

But it probably wouldn’t need such information.

Still, a few survivors giggled at the sight of the mighty Rank S Sentinel being scrubbed like a statue.

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