Plunderer: Master of the Multiverse

The crystal points of first-level Awakened range from single digits, 1 to 9 points. Typically, after unlocking their abilities, Awakened can surpass this threshold in mere months.

However, the crystal points of second-level Awakened span from 10 to 99, a vast chasm that often takes years to bridge for most.

It has only been three years since the apocalypse erupted, so the majority of Awakened remain at first or second levels. At least in the Greenridge base, third-level Awakened are a rare breed.

By the same logic, only a handful of humans reach the third level within three years, and similarly, only a select few zombies or evolved beasts attain this rank.

Therefore, for the Greenridge base, the surrounding third-level zombies and evolved beasts are meticulously cataloged, each a formidable force to be reckoned with.

The Corpse Vulture, a third-level zombie beast, is infamous at Greenridge base, its aerial prowess making it far trickier to combat than ground-bound undead.

Today, the emergence of this third-level Corpse Vulture naturally drew the gazes of countless onlookers, its dark wings casting a grim shadow.

The zombie frenzy has raged for over a month, prompting numerous teams to venture out and hunt the undead. When survivors spotted the Corpse Vulture, their hearts froze with dread.

Over the years, this Level 3 Corpse Vulture has claimed the lives of numerous powerful Awakened, its name synonymous with death.

But what stunned them even more today was the sight of someone soaring through the skies, clashing head-on with the Level 3 Corpse Vulture?

Since when did Greenridge base harbor an Awakened with flight? And to battle the Level 3 Corpse Vulture, they must be a Level 3 Awakened, right?

Regardless of the swirling thoughts among the survivors below, at this moment, Alex's focus was locked solely on the Corpse Vulture.

Lily's Snow-Snow Fruit powers swept nearby, effortlessly clearing out lesser foes. With her Snow-Snow Fruit abilities, zombie beasts below Level 3 stood no chance against her icy wrath.

On the crystal measuring device, a faint red beam scanned the Corpse Vulture, and soon, a crystal point value flashed before Alex's eyes: 168.

"Well, its crystal points outstrip mine, but it's not unbeatable!" Eyeing the Corpse Vulture as it dove toward him, Alex nodded inwardly, steeling his resolve.

Although his crystal points lagged behind the Corpse Vulture's, his arsenal of combat techniques and skills far surpassed the beast's primal instincts.

Ding!

Facing the Corpse Vulture's massive, razor-sharp beak, Alex raised his White Dragon sword across his chest, executing a flawless block, standing firm as a rock, and deftly repelling the beast's assault.

Then, with a swift flick of the White Dragon sword, a gleaming slash carved into the Corpse Vulture's hide, tearing a gaping wound that gushed black, putrid blood like a broken dam.

Beyond crystal points, skills, weapons, and environment are pivotal factors shaping one's total combat strength!

Clad in chainmail, Alex manipulated his body to glide through the air. Though less agile than the Corpse Vulture, his aerial slashes were razor-sharp, far beyond what the beast's flesh could withstand.

Facing this hulking Corpse Vulture, the intricate swordplay of Dugu Nine Swords was less effective, but the kendo honed in the One Piece plane proved devastating.

With Armament Haki woven into his sword strikes, Alex's flying slashes could cleave through steel with ease.

Puff, puff, puff…

In terms of crystal points, the Corpse Vulture indeed held the edge over Alex, but in actual combat, Alex's slashes rained down on the beast's body, each cut adding to a gruesome tally of wounds. To any keen observer, it was clear Alex was dominating the Corpse Vulture in this duel.

"So strong! Who is that guy? He can fly and overpower a third-level Corpse Vulture!" The survivors below gaped, jaws dropped, as they witnessed the aerial showdown.

With such might, he must be a renowned powerhouse at Greenridge.

"This zombie beast is such a pain…"

However, despite outwardly suppressing the Corpse Vulture and riddling it with injuries, Alex knew these undead felt no pain, their rotting forms shrugging off wounds that would cripple the living.

Chirp!

After a fierce exchange, the Corpse Vulture unleashed a piercing screech, its beak gaping wide.

A ferocious gale erupted at that instant, a vortex of suction so powerful it tugged Alex's body inexorably toward the beast's maw.

At this moment, the Corpse Vulture's beak seemed to morph into a ravenous black hole, its howling winds threatening to shred and devour all in their path.

Even with Alex pouring every ounce of strength into resistance, he couldn't defy this terrifying pull.

"This Level 3 Corpse Vulture has a trump card like that?" Alex's heart raced with shock as he felt himself drawn closer to the beast's gaping beak.

No wonder so many elite Awakened fell to this creature. With flight and this near-unstoppable suction, who could stand against it?

However, despite his shock, Alex kept his cool, his mind racing for a counter.

Since he couldn't fight the suction of the beast's beak, Alex made a bold call, releasing his grip, and the gleaming White Dragon sword was sucked straight into the Corpse Vulture's maw.

"Your move's strong, but I've got its restraint!" Alex muttered, shaking his head as he watched the Corpse Vulture swallow his White Dragon sword.

Then, he flung his palm open and flicked his wrist toward the Corpse Vulture!

The White Dragon sword, now inside the beast's belly, sprang to life under Alex's magnetic control, churning violently within.

Though the Level 3 Corpse Vulture's hide was tough, the White Dragon sword was a rare, masterwork blade, backed by over a thousand pounds of force.

Zombies may ignore pain, enduring grievous wounds without faltering. But with its innards pulverized and the White Dragon sword slicing its body in two, could this Corpse Vulture cling to life?

Swish!

Under Alex's command, as the Corpse Vulture's body split in half, a dazzling sword flash erupted, severing the beast's head. At last, the Corpse Vulture became truly lifeless.

The White Dragon sword spun deftly inside the Corpse Vulture's skull, probing for treasure, but found nothing. Alex sighed inwardly.

He'd heard that third-level zombies and evolved beasts often harbored crystals brimming with strange energy in their heads. Looks like luck wasn't on his side today.

With the demise of the Level 3 Corpse Vulture at Alex's hands, no zombie beast could challenge him now.

The White Dragon sword slid back into its sheath, and Alex's body surged forward like a bolt of lightning, streaking past the zombie horde below.

Whoosh!

Swirling snowflakes danced through the sky, freezing zombie beasts one by one, sending them crashing from the air. As Alex touched down on the ground, the blizzard coalesced beside him, reforming into Lily's small figure.

Then, Alex took Lily's hand, and the two strode boldly toward the Greenridge base, just a short distance away.

From afar, countless survivors stared at them, their eyes alight with awe and reverence. In this apocalyptic world, strength commanded respect.

Lily's power was undeniable—Level 2 zombie beasts couldn't even fight back against her icy might. This was plain to see.

Alex, naturally, was even mightier. The Level 3 Corpse Vulture's death at his hands proved everything.

The Level 3 Corpse Vulture had been unleashed, only to fall. This event was earth-shattering news for the entire Greenridge base. Word of it would surely spread like wildfire.

And these two could be said to have risen to fame in a single, glorious battle.