Soldier B began to gather core crystals from the zombies he had killed in secret and deliver only a small part to the boss. He also did an experiment, because when he fought, he had to concentrate to be able to absorb the core, and since the amount he could hide in the amulet, besides being small, was minimal, he decided to absorb them at night while pretending to be asleep so as not to raise suspicions.

The result was different from what he expected, his physique did not improve as much as the boss's, but the unexpected result made him even happier, because even though his physique did not improve much, his superpower did.

Soldier B realized that he could use his superpowers for longer and with more ease! Soldier B realized that the boss only apparently had a much better physique, and his superpower, even though it had increased, did not progress as quickly.

Obviously, the boss only used the crystals during battle and didn't think of absorbing them at night, as he considered it a waste.

Soldier B decided that he would fight the zombies as long as possible, using core crystals only during emergencies and absorbing the rest every night.

As time passed, the zombies' levels increased until they began to encounter zombies with superpowers and collect their crystals, which were obviously all given to the boss.

One day, while hunting for supplies, they encountered other survivors who were fleeing from a horde of zombies.

As they fought the zombies, Soldier B saw the boss sneakily pick up a colorful zombie crystal and hold it in his hand.

After taking a brief look, Soldier B looked away as he had to fight the zombies that surrounded him. Until suddenly, soldier B felt a bad feeling because, since he had never absorbed a colored core crystal, he didn't know its effect.

Using a large part of his power, he created a gust of wind that lifted him and moved away from the zombies as fast as possible until, suddenly, an explosion of power happened, and Soldier B was pushed by the impact, flying.

After surviving the explosion and getting hurt, soldier B realized that the explosion was caused by the boss when his body exploded!

Remembering the colored zombie's crystal, soldier B paled and thanked the heavens that he had only absorbed white crystals.

Approaching the car that was parked furthest from the explosion, soldier B found a bag with core crystals and some supplies, enough for him to survive for a few days alone.

Getting into the car, he looked for a safe place and began absorbing all the clear core crystals. He needed to heal himself, but he also needed to get stronger in order to survive.

Even though he risked exploding by absorbing core crystals, he needed to get stronger, or he wouldn't be able to survive on his own.

As soldier B absorbed clear core crystals, their effect diminished, and his power grew slower and slower.

Looking at the colored crystals, soldier B decided not to take the risk and only use the clear ones.

In addition to these colored crystals being scarce, remembering the explosion sent a shiver down Soldier B's spine.

Remembering how he fought through thick and thin and nearly died before he managed to join another group that accepted him only for his wind blade power.

As soon as he arrived at the base, he used the colored core crystals he had left, which he had discovered were of the highest value, to bribe someone and get a position as a soldier at the base, which was easy, since the base was recruiting soldiers to guard the entrance to the base.

Thinking about the captain's words now... a shiver ran down Soldier B's spine.

'No, I didn't risk coming all the way here just to die.'

'I need to find out what's going on,' thought soldier B.

'Captain,' said soldier B.

'I know I'm a rookie, and I have no permission or intention to meddle with confidential information.'

'Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about what happened just now,' said soldier B as he gestured discreetly so that only the captain could see.

'After all, I don't want to lose my job.'

After seeing the gesture, the captain understood.