We started whispering a strategy. "Angela, call me on the phone. Ale, you and Bea throw white fireballs at the red zombie on the left and the right, respectively. Carlota and I will take the big zombie. They don't have the coating, so we'll use white fireballs, but if they get the coating, we'll switch to red."

We began to throw the white fireballs, and it was very effective as the big zombie received six white fireballs and disintegrated before it could attack. The other zombies also died quickly.

However, when we threw the white fireballs at the other three, they were ineffective because they had acquired the red coating. They headed towards the sound of the phone.

We shot them with red fireballs, and by the second hit, their shield was destroyed. One white fireball killed them.

"They're very stupid. They have enough instinct to cover themselves with the red coating when attacked, but not enough to avoid going towards the sound."

"Yes, but we can't assume all of them are that dumb. Also, we've seen two skeletons, so we can't be sure other races are the same."

"Additionally, we need to coordinate better. Sometimes, we both hit the same zombie."

"Yes. Luckily, aiming the fireballs is easy. It seems that the precision, speed, and damage of the fireballs depend on intelligence and the Phoenix level."

"Today is the first day we're fighting, so it's normal to have these kinds of issues. Actually, we're doing better than expected; it must be due to the stat increases given by the powers."

"Or the confidence that being Phoenixes means we can't die."

"But we shouldn't get overconfident. There's a long respawn period during which the others will continue leveling up. Also, they could capture us and not let us die."

Angela approached us.

"Someone should go for the crystals and meteorites. Also, why don't we transform into Phoenixes? That way, our flames will be more effective, the zombies can't reach us because we can fly."

"Great idea! Why didn't we think of that before? We're supposed to be super intelligent now or something."

"I guess thinking faster doesn't mean thinking better, or maybe we haven't fully adjusted to these powers yet. But you're right; the five of us should transform into Phoenixes."

After informing the rest about the new plan, we started repeating the process. The red flames could destroy the red coating in one shot. We could rest around 2:00 PM to eat while Costas stood guard.

"We should start looking for more food and other survivors. Two in Phoenix form should be enough to stay here. Also, we've obtained a meteorite that grants the Protector class. Costas should get it."

"Yes. The meteorites fell around 9 PM yesterday, and since we have to wait 40 hours, it will be charged by 1 PM tomorrow. Who should go?"

"Ale, Juan, and Bea should go."

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"Not that I'm complaining, but why do Juan and I always get the dangerous tasks?"

"Remember, you and Juan have double Phoenix class, so you have double energy. If you leave today at 5 PM, you can activate your literary abilities again as 20 hours will have passed."

"Dani, which race do you plan to acquire?"

"We don't know which ones there are, but I wouldn't want one that involves fighting. And if I ever turn into a zombie, Angela will summon my last version."

"Your last version?"

"Yes, we can use her ability to 'update' me, retaining my memories and powers. That way, if I die or something happens to me, we can access my last version."

"By the way, while my ability ensures Costas doesn't talk too much, we need to be careful about revealing our literary powers. We're already risking a lot by openly showing our Phoenix abilities."

"You're right, but our powers are very effective against the undead, and if we don't do everything possible, we might suffer."

"Dani, you should level up. The rest of us have already leveled up. In fact, Ale and I only need four more hours to reach level 3."

"Then you should leave when you reach level 3 and have the second Phoenix ability charged, which should still be around 5 PM. Don't come back too late; we don't know what creatures come out at night."

"Yes, big brother. Don't be such a nag."

"And you should also look for food."

"Okay, but I’m not that hungry, at least."

"Not? I am. It must be the nerves or something. Wait, did you sleep well last night?"

"Not much. We maximized our competence and saw how the white flames work."

"Exactly, the white flames. I should have thought of it before. The white flame will allow us to stop eating or sleeping."

"That's right, it replenishes our energy and stamina. But when this situation is over, I want to go back to eating and sleeping normally."

"Yes, Ale, don't start acting like a child again. How many times do I have to tell you this isn't a game."

After eating, we saw the first blue zombies. I had gone down to collect the cores that had fallen from some zombies when a thin blue-skinned zombie appeared from a shadow.

Power: Thief

Level: 1

Exp: 0/30

Energy: 30/30

Rarity: Rare

Class

For each level in this class, you will gain 1 point in agility, speed, dexterity, and perception.

* Boost

* Mana Strike

* Expert in traps and locks (P)

* Shadow Movement (3 M/S): You can turn into a shadow and move like one.

* Quick Feet

He was caught off guard, so he managed to land a good hit on me. I heard the same thing happen to Ale. I quickly threw a white fireball, destroying the zombie. The other one seemed stronger, as its skin was darker and it had a horn. It was skillfully dodging Ale's attacks, and its white eyes were glowing. But it wasn't paying attention to me, so I managed to hit it with a white fireball, and it died instantly.

We collected the cores and meteorites and returned to the rest.

"Ale, are you okay? That zombie hit you hard."

"Yes, don’t worry. And you? Those two were stronger."

"Me too. The white flames are very useful."

"They had an ability called shadow movement. They probably can only come out of them."

Carlota nodded.

"We should change the plan. Ale should stay here to protect Edu and Costas, while Miguel and Bea go."

"Why am I the one who stays?"

"Because you're a blockhead. And Miguel can roughly see their class while Bea can collect the cores and meteorites."

"Oh."

"By the way, I won’t upgrade my phoenix ability to level 3. That way, the day after tomorrow you can copy that ability. But after that, I'll level it up, I can't fall too far behind."

"Perfect, thanks."

We waited until 5:30 PM to leave. We headed towards the city center, while we saw numerous zombies with different classes. As we progressed, the smell became more putrid and we heard more screams and cries.

Bea started to pick up speed.

"We should head towards the screams."

"Bea, we can't save everyone. It's good to help, but our priority is our safety and assessing the situation."

"I know the world has changed, but if we can do something, we should do it as long as it’s not too risky."

"Alright, but we’ll proceed with caution."

When we arrived where the noises were coming from, we saw what appeared to be dryads and arachnes fighting against a large crowd of red zombies.