Chapter 32

Chapter 32 The First Gleamstones
The shovel penetrated the reinforced concrete wall by an inch, something most individuals would struggle
to extract.
Theresa wrenched the shovel loose, swirling it within the zombie’s skull. When she withdrew it, a yellowish-white, transparent crystal materialized before her.
She retrieved a bottle of water from her storage and cleaned the surface. Instantly, the crystal began to radiate light.
It was a zombie gleamstone.
These were found in higher-level zombies.
By the later phases, many bases utilized gleamstones as a form of currency, and larger camps would purchase them at steep prices in a continuous flow.
In her previous life, she had risen to the position of squad leader. However, since she lacked any powers, she often stayed out of significant decisions. All she understood was that this familiar item was valuable.
Suddenly, a well-known voice echoed in her mind. Ding-Zombie Gleamstones detected +1! New points xchange unlocked!One standard level 1 zombie gleamstone amounts to 100 points! Do you wish to exchange?
Theresa was surprised. The gleamstones could be traded for points!
A fresh exchange panel appeared in her consciousness. At the top was a notice, ‘The first exchange rewards
1 special gift pack! For every additional 100 gleamstones after that, receive another big gift pack!’
she opted to exchange without hesitation.
The gleamstones in her grasp vanished, and another notification sounded in her mind.
Ding-Reward: Pain relief gel +1, Emergency Pill +1!
Ding-Reward: Combat Suit +1!’
Ding-Reward: Combat Gloves +1!
Ding-Reward: Combat Boots +1!
Ding-Reward: Revolver +1!
Theresa was once again surprised. I’ve hit the jackpot!
The pain relief gel and the Emergency Pill alone were worth 120 points.
I haven’t seen the price for the combat suit, but that revolver I checked before… It’s over 5,000 points!
I’ve struck gold!
1/3
Theresa secured the revolver at her waist, placed the combat suit in her domain for later inspection, and then proceeded to search the basement. She discovered a wealth of items-an entire cabinet stocked with expensive wine, gold bars, and jewels locked in a safe, and even a motorcycle along with two sports cars, their keys still in place.
She exited with her arms laden.
Before departing, she inscribed a large “Tess’ on the front gate.
As soon as she finished, the area map in her mind updated to encompass the property of the villa.
Simultaneously, the entire villa complex, with the exception of the 9th Villa, was now completely claimed and integrated into her territory map. Only the 9th Villa remained, appearing as a dark, unlit void on the
map.
As she stepped outside, the residents of that villa immediately turned away.
One man gazed at her in disbelief as she emerged unscathed and without a single injury, his mind swirling with thoughts.
“Honey, that woman just exited the 10th Villa. Didn’t you mention it was incredibly perilous over there?” his wife asked.
“She’s even tougher than we anticipated,” the man confirmed.
In that instant, he felt a blend of fear and relief—thankfully, they had shown some goodwill at the outset. Otherwise, with his abilities, he might not have effectively confronted this woman.
Now, he needed to reevaluate his approach.
As Theresa stepped onto the main road, she came face-to-face with a family of three-the ones from the 9th Villa.
‘Miss, would you be interested in engaging in a trade?” the man asked, adjusting his black-framed glasses.
I’m a botanist and can grow new crops. We’d like to swap some food with you.”
He motioned for his daughter to bring over a large box filled with vegetables and mung bean sprouts.
Raising an eyebrow as she examined the box, Theresa asked, “Aren’t you worried that I’ll swipe all these from you?”
The man shook his head. “Growing these isn’t a challenge for me.”
He lifted his hand, and the mung bean sprouts in the box began to thrive and grow rapidly.
Theresa’s eyes lit up. A plant-based ability user! No wonder he managed to keep his wife and child safe at home for over a month during the zombie crisis-he’s definitely someone with real skills.
2/3
At the same time, Theresa recognized his intentions.
First, he was demonstrating his utility, showing he could provide her with resources.
Second, he was attempting to intimidate her.
He was signaling to her not to act rashly and to think twice before harming his family, as he possessed the means to defend himself. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ ~net
However, both of his points held no significance for her because she didn’t require any of it.
“You should keep it for yourselves,” she replied, not even glancing at the box of vegetables again.
Theresa had more food at home than she could possibly consume-there was no need for any exchanges!