Zombie Survival System

Jack Blade observed Alexandre with a mix of amusement and coldness in his gaze. He nodded slightly toward the ring Alexandre still held with a trembling, exhausted hand:

— "That ring is reserved for Hunters of rank C or higher," he declared dryly, with an almost mocking tone.

Alexandre furrowed his brow, immediately recalling valuable information he'd recently read on the academy's forum: every ten levels, a Hunter crossed a threshold, thus advancing to a higher rank. Currently at level 6, Alexandre needed four more levels merely to reach rank D, and a total of fourteen levels to aspire to rank C. This prospect seemed nearly insurmountable to him: reaching level 6 had already required over 800 experience points, and each subsequent level doubled in required experience. The exponential cost in experience made the goal of reaching rank C daunting, distant, almost unattainable.

Lost in thought and staring absently at his precious trophy, Alexandre was suddenly brought back to reality by the noisy arrival of the rescue teams. Several inflatable boats roughly approached the weakened iceberg, swiftly disembarking rescuers clad in thermal uniforms and carrying medical bags filled with equipment. Efficiently, they rushed toward students collapsed on the ice, immediately distributing shiny silver survival blankets, which seemed to shimmer faintly in the waning daylight.

A medic quickly approached Alexandre, intending to treat the severely burned parts of his body, holding a syringe filled with a pale blue liquid. Without a second thought, Alexandre raised a hand to refuse:

— "No need," he said firmly, though his voice was slightly hoarse from the exertion.

The medic hesitated, insistently eyeing the burned flesh, but finally nodded without pressing further. Around them, other students accepted the blue injection with relief, sighing appreciatively as they immediately felt their strength partially returning. This temporary surge of energy helped them gradually stand and regain their senses after the physical and mental trauma of recent hours.

Jack Blade explained coldly, observing the students with detachment:

— "This injection, called 'PackBoost,' contains stimulants and concentrated nutrients, enabling better physical and mental recovery. It will give you a temporary boost, but don't fool yourselves: your bodies are at their limit. You urgently need rest, water, and a proper meal. We'll return to the island by inflatable boat. Once there, I strongly recommend you sleep and fully recover before the next trial."

Without further delay, the students were quickly gathered aboard the rescue vessels. Despite their overwhelming exhaustion, a solemn, almost ceremonial silence prevailed during the journey back to Hunter Island. Only the sound of the inflatable boats' motors, the cold splashes of seawater, and weary breathing disturbed the icy calm of the ride.

When they finally saw the comforting contours of Hunter Island bathed in the gentle twilight glow, a strange relief swept through the students. Approaching the shore, they could clearly distinguish anxious silhouettes of their entire class gathered expectantly on the main beach. Students, wrapped in survival blankets, trembling from the cold and uncertainty, anxiously watched the boats. They were all there to welcome Jack Blade and the brave survivors, with eyes filled with admiration, fear, and profound respect.

The inflatable boats finally touched the sandy shore, unloading one by one the victorious students, each supported by rescuers. A murmur of awe rippled through the crowd of students on the beach as they observed the survivors' dreadful conditions: multiple injuries, visible burns, and bodies marked with red and blue patches caused by extreme cold exposure. Yet, despite their critical state, these silent heroes' gazes shone with newfound determination. They had overcome an impossible challenge beyond imagination; their spirits were now steeled, ready to face any trial that lay ahead.

Amidst murmurs of respect and astonishment, many students' eyes immediately converged on Alexandre. His exceptional performance and superhuman endurance during the trial had already started circulating throughout the island via drones and integrated loudspeakers. Considering the trial's incredible difficulty, no one now doubted for a moment his extraordinary capabilities, though it didn't prevent some from hating him out of jealousy or rivalry.

William, who had rested comfortably on the beach during the over four-hour ordeal, approached them with a broad grin:

— "Hey guys! Don't make those faces! Look, it's almost 14 degrees Celsius in the sun!"

If Marlon had any remaining energy, he probably would have strangled him right then. Instead, he responded irritably:

— "Don't get too cocky! I earned 70 points! That gives me a total of 80 points, way ahead of your pathetic 35!"

William shrugged and replied nonchalantly:

— "I analyzed the situation! I've been a poor swimmer since childhood. When they brought us to the beach, I immediately understood it was going to be an incredibly intense physical and psychological test. They're deliberately testing our mental resilience! You're right—I have only 35 points, so what? I'm still in the top 100, and I preserved my physical condition!" 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Then he paused and added thoughtfully:

— "And considering our friend Alexandre here is sweeping all the first places, I was convinced no one would give up unless at death's door. From what I saw, I'm convinced I wouldn't have lasted even an hour!"

Marlon was stunned, realizing for the first time that without Alexandre's repeated assistance, he would undoubtedly have plummeted to the bottom of the rankings.

As they spoke, their instructor Jack Blade and several other professors moved forward, climbing onto a raised area of the beach.