'Did they left already?' Nile asked Ogis for confirmation.

'Sigh* That was embarrassing. I almost killed them just because of a small misunderstanding. Well, it doesn't matter anyway, they kept on following me so I think it's a better excuse already.' He consoled himself.

Ogis reported immediately that the two had already retreated to where they came from.

'Ok… Continue being our scout from above, you did a good job this time. Report to me immediately if you spot someone, may it animals, zombies, humans, and even hybrids.' He instructed.

'Croc, stay hidden and always make sure to kill your enemy with a single blow.'

'Max, stay being my ride for now. You're a mobile tank so you will be useful when the time arises. Make sure to do well during those times!'

Nile instructed and praised his pets again. The three pets also reported enthusiastically after hearing the praise from their master. They don't know why they feel that way, but for them, it doesn't matter either way. Specifically, Maximo who worships Nile as if it was his ancestor.

They all worked hard until it was time for lunch already. In total, they killed ten level one zombies, earning Nile an additional 0.5 stats points and 50 Apocalypse Points.

It was regrettable that they didn't spot more and more powerful zombies but Nile only thought of it as a blessing in disguise. He doesn't want to jinx himself after all. What if he wishes for more zombies and then a hundred appears with an occasional level two and level three ones at that?

After searching for a while, Nile managed to find a dilapidated two-story building with a huge tree growing through its roof. As usual, when he wanted to get inside, he was stopped by Croco and Maximo, as loyal servants, they wanted to check the inside of the buildings first for they didn't want for their master to get hurt. Ogis was confused at first as to why the two lowly animals stopped their master, but after hearing their reason, he couldn't help but approve of it by himself, Ogis even commended them with a huge featherup(thumbs up).

There was a level two zombie inside, Croco ambushed it and tried to end the zombie's life with one strike, however, his blade only managed to slice halfway through its neck. With that, the zombie manages to counter-attack while slipping away from Croco.

Croco was struck, fortunately, he managed to block the sudden strike with his other blade causing sparks to fly everywhere. Nevertheless, as it was already a level two zombie, Croco was still hurt from the impact as his body retreated a few inches.

Seeing that scene, Maximo decided to reinforce while Croco retreated again to blend into the surroundings, searching for the best spot and timing to strike.

With Maximo's huge body, the building was trashed like broken glass. Without the huge tree holding it, it would probably collapse instantly.

The zombie was no longer in the best condition so Maximo managed to gain the upper hand by relying on his heavy body and high defense.

Upon realizing that it was losing the fight and feeling the danger around it, the zombie decided to retreat immediately.

The zombie instantly hopped towards the window breaking the fragile glass in the process. Unfortunately, the moment Its body pass through the broken window, a glint was suddenly seen when the sunlight hit Croco's sharp blade.

It turns out that Croco had already laid in wait in that area and immediately struck with the right timing with his blade.

With a precise and swift swipe, Croco manages to hit the neck wound he created earlier. This time, the blade slices through the zombie's neck like tofu, severing its head away from the body.

At the same time, a system prompt sounded inside Nile's head, confirming the zombie's death. The zombie was still at the early stages of level two hence the reason why the level one Croco and Maximo managed to confront it without losing much.

Even if on an instance the level two zombie manages to slip away, Ogis was already waiting above the tree to strike at any momentary notice. With his piercing eyes, Ogis was actually observing the battle from the beginning. His sharp metallic talons were also glistening a little due to the reflection of sunlight. They are ready to pierce a certain level two zombie's head that might escape from a certain battle.

With that fight, Maximo and Croco's 'digestion' climb up another percent and Nile guesses that it won't be long for them to evolve into a level two mutated animal. With the aid of the apocalypse berry, the time might have shortened even more.

"Good job guys!" Nile said with thumbs up. He was also observing the battle since the beginning, and for him, their performance was commendable. He could tell that they were no longer newbies. Especially Croco's strike that always aims for a deadly blow. Even though he failed his first time, constant correct practice will always make it perfect.

Maximo's high defense was also commendable, as every blow struck by the level two zombie, he managed to withstand it without retreating a step. Even the impact didn't hurt him that much.

Nile smiled as he caressed the neck of the two animals. He felt happy seeing his two pets growing stronger. It also means more apocalypse and stats points for him.

He even decided to leave the small prey to the two of them. He decided to only fight when the situation is dire and a strong opponent appears. This time he really planned on doing it.

"Ogis, survey the area first and report to me if someone approaches. The fight might've attracted some nearby zombies after all, it's better to be safe than sorry." Nile said as he sat on a huge tree root.

Ogis replied with a squeak inside his head using the earrings of loyalty.

After a few minutes, the fight really did attract three zombies. They were all level one so Croco managed to eliminate them instantly with a single strike.

"Was that all of it? Then you can get down now and eat with us." Nile said as he beckoned for Ogis to come down.

...

Thanks for reading guys.