Chapter 181: Head out

Leo moved on to the three Rare Cards. The first was a skill card.

[Rare Skill Card — Intimidation]

Description: Releases a powerful aura that pressures nearby targets. Its strength depends on the user’s Mental Power and killing intent. Targets with weak Mental Power may feel fear, hesitate, freeze, flee, or lose the will to fight, while those with stronger Mental Power are less affected.

Effect: Releases an intimidating aura within a certain range. Suppresses the courage and fighting spirit of weaker enemies. May cause weaker targets to freeze or flee. Becomes more effective with greater Mental Power and killing intent.

Energy Cost: Low.

Note: The skill grows stronger as the user’s Mental Power increases.

Leo raised an eyebrow.

"Intimidation..."

Though lacking direct offensive power, it offered a clear advantage against weaker enemies. He slipped the card into his storage and picked up the next one.

[Rare Weapon Card — Thunder Fang]

Description: A specially forged short sword infused with lightning energy. The blade can store a small amount of electrical energy and release it through its edge when striking a target. The discharge can numb muscles and briefly disrupt an enemy’s movements, with greater effectiveness against targets that have weak resistance to electrical attacks.

Effect: Increases cutting power slightly. Can store and release electrical energy. Electrical discharge may cause temporary numbness or muscle spasms. Automatically absorbs a small amount of electricity from the surrounding environment to replenish its energy. The stored energy is limited and requires time to recover after repeated use.

Weapon Rank: Rare

Leo studied the weapon’s description.

"It could be useful."

It wouldn’t replace his katanas, but the disruption effect held obvious value for close combat. He put it away and turned to the final card.

[Rare Card — Elemental Rune Bullet Set]

Description: A collection of specially crafted rune bullets containing different elemental effects. Each bullet is engraved with a simple elemental rune that releases its effect upon impact. The bullets are designed for use with rune-based firearms .

Contained Bullets:

Fire Rune Bullet ×3: Creates a small explosion of flames upon impact, capable of burning the target and igniting nearby flammable objects.

Ice Rune Bullet ×3: Releases a burst of cold energy upon impact, slowing the target and creating a thin layer of ice around the point of impact.

Lightning Rune Bullet ×3: Releases a short electrical discharge that can cause muscle spasms and briefly disrupt the target’s movements.

Wind Rune Bullet ×3: Creates a concentrated burst of wind upon impact, capable of knocking back weaker targets or slightly altering the trajectory of projectiles.

Earth Rune Bullet ×3: Creates a small burst of earth and stone upon impact, increasing the bullet’s destructive force against physical targets.

Note: The elemental effects are limited in power and depend on the user’s weapon. These bullets cannot produce large-scale elemental attacks and are considerably weaker than high-level destructive ammunition.

A spark of interest flashed in Leo’s eyes.

"These are rune bullets?"

Since he already owned the Rune Revolver and the Beginner Rune book, a variety of ammunition fit his current needs perfectly. They weren’t overwhelmingly powerful, but they expanded his combat options.

Leo nodded in satisfaction.

"Not bad."

He stored the card.

"Once I learn how to use runes, I should be able to make these myself."

Turning his attention to the rest of his loot, Leo sorted through the Common and Uncommon Cards. Most held basic survival resources: food, fuel, ammunition, and a few luxury items like alcohol and cigarettes. These were the general drops from the battle, separate from the ten he had earned by killing the Blood Puppet. He still needed to check them all, hoping to find Aether Herbs or Spirit Fruits hidden in the pile.

Brewing Spirit Wine in his new gourd to test its Epic-tier capabilities sat high on his priority list, right alongside finding materials for the Mad Alchemist’s Working Table and setting up the Spirit Garden. He had plenty of work ahead of him.

Before he could dive into the remaining stack, a heavy fist struck the truck door.

Knock. Knock.

Leo stood and pushed the door open, finding Taku waiting outside. Taku gave a brief nod.

"Boss said to inform you that we’re ready to move."

Taku thought inside his mind

Why am I always the one sent to do these things?

"He also wants all the main members of the convoy to have one last discussion before we leave."

Leo nodded.

"Alright."

He hopped down from the truck and followed Taku to the gathering area. The convoy’s Superhumans stood in a loose circle, with the ordinary survivors lingering on the outer edges. Valentine caught Leo’s eye and offered a small nod of acknowledgment. In the center, Cyrus held a map open, tracing their planned route.

"Our destination is Central City."

"Before the apocalypse, it was the largest industrial center in this region."

"There should still be plenty of abandoned factories, warehouses, and other facilities there."

"If we’re lucky, we should be able to find the materials we need."

Cyrus swept his gaze across the gathered crowd.

"If anyone has any objections or other questions, you can ask now."

Silence met his question. Cyrus nodded, satisfied, then folded the map and walked over to Leo. He extended a hand.

"We’ve already been introduced, but let me introduce myself again."

"I’m Cyrus."

"I’m the captain of the Freedom Convoy."

"Welcome to the team."

Leo accepted the handshake.

"Thanks for having me."

Cyrus kept his tone level.

"I hope you don’t have any problem with us heading to Central City."

Leo shook his head.

"Not at all."

"I was still undecided about where to go anyway."

"Since you already have a destination in mind, it saves me the trouble of figuring it out myself."

Cyrus nodded.

"Alright."

He turned to face the rest of the camp.

"Everyone, check your belongings and board the vehicles."

"We’re moving out."

The crowd broke apart, people heading to their respective cars and trucks. Leo made his way back to his own vehicle.

The Freedom Convoy was ready to hit the road.