AsShaneprepared to depart from the estate, he reflected on the recent days when theSpringriver Manorhad operated smoothly even without his instructions…


    With a sense of pride, he acknowledged that themunity thrived independently as each member was contributing to its prosperity.


    It was finally his time to leave the estate. However, he didn''t n to make it a big deal since he wasn''t nning to abandon this shelterpletely. There was no huge party or speech in front of everyone.


    It was enough to inform the key members of this estate about his departure.


    Aside from that, he also believed that his journey wouldn''t take that long.


    To be exact, with the memories he unlocked, as long as he was able to get the materials he needed and perhaps enough money to purchase various items in the Anima Store, he would be able to create the Teleportation Portals that the Anima Civilization had used to attack their at that time.


    Once he was able to create these portals, traveling around different shelters would be very easy despite the distance.


    After cleaning himself and having his breakfast,Shanedonned his formidableTier 5 Army Clothes…


    They were his Army Helmet, Army Boots, Army Pants, and Army Vest. From Tier 4 to Tier 5, he had to spend 150 Item Upgrade Crystals if he wanted to upgrade them!


    This means that he spent 600 crystals just to obtain his current set, which barely changed in terms of appearance.


    However, once they check the status of his clothes, they would realize how wrong they were. In any case, Shane liked this fact. After all, he actually upgraded his Chitin te to Legendary, and it became too attractive and even provided some glow effects!


    The attention he''d get wearing that item was just too much.


    However, it seemed different for the items the items ranked with Tiers. Their external appearances would barely make some changes if they were upgraded from Tier 1 to Tier 5…


    On the other hand, from Common to Legendary, the items would have huge changes, not just in their effects but also in their appearances.


    ''It must be the difference between those two rankings.'' Shane thought as he recalled this matter.


    Of course, this was simply his opinion and he might have to consider upgrading more items to confirm his thoughts.


    "Mhmm? Are those two—"


    As he stepped outside, he was taken aback to find two figures engaged in an early morning drinking session near thechurch!


    To his surprise, among the drinkers wasBart, the estate''s alcohol brewer, apanied by a newly recruited Survivor namedKeh. He wasn''t summoned by a Recruitment Stone but he arrived because ofShane''sTerritory Lordtitle.


    These two Survivors somehow shared the same build as they both looked around.


    Keh may look like a drunkard right now, but he was actually a distinguished professor in a renowned academy before he was taken by the Fog.


    Observing the pair indulging in alcohol at such an early hour,Shanecouldn''t help but shake his head, bemused by their unconventional morning ritual.


    Nheless, since he was reassured byMr. Wadsworth about their dedication to their duties,Shanedismissed any concerns, knowing their roles didn''t requirebat prowess. As long as they were doing their job, they should be fine…


    ''But I should still tell them not to overdo it.'' Shane thought as he approached them.


    However,Shane''s astonishment peaked when he noticed a familiar sight—the jug of alcohol they were using had three distinct yellow feathers! It was as if it could add vor to the alcohol itself!


    Anyway, the feathers bore an uncanny resemnce to his Evolved Thunderbird.


    "Sparky?!"Shaneeximed as his eyes widened in shock.


    He certainly didn''t see his Evolved Thunderbird in the past few days. He thought that his pet was just ying around with Emberwing and the others. Sparky could also be helping the elves scout some areas, so he wasn''t too worried when he overlooked his pet while he was busy…


    However, he didn''t know that his pet had be appetizers from these two drunkards!


    ShaneapproachedBartandKeh…


    He immediately calmed himself as he might be overthinking this matter.


    "Ahem… Bart, what''s the story behind these feathers?"Shaneasked while trying to calm his voice. He didn''t want to assume that his Sparky had been barbecued by these two guys and eaten already.


    He wouldn''t know how he would react to that.


    "Ahh… Lord Shane!"


    Bart, already somewhat inebriated, smiled and chuckled heartily beforeunching into an exnation.


    He revealed that he had acquired a handful of feathers fromSparky, utilizing them as a unique vor enhancer for his homemade brews.


    With a mischievous grin,Bartextended an invitation toSho partake in the vorful concoctions.


    "Sparky is still alive?" Shane asked.


    "Yes! Don''t worry, I got permission from Sparky to take some of his feathers. I mean… I didn''t pluck these feathers from him. He left it for me after ying with him for a while. That bird might be feeling lonely…" Bart said which made Shane heaved a sigh of relief.


    Politely decliningBart''s offer,Shaneshook his head with a smile.


    "I''ll be going now… Don''t eat Sparky, Lucky, and those others pets… " Shane replied as he was d to know that Sparky hadn''t eaten yet.


    "Haha… Of course, of course! If you''re not joining, then take this, Lord Shane!"


    Despite Shane''s reluctance to join in the early morning drinking session,Bartinsisted on sharing the fruits of hisbor withShane, presenting him with three bottles of the specially infused alcohol, each imbued withSparky''s distinctive and electrifying essence.


    "Electrifying taste, you said?" Shane repeated with a helpless smile on his face.


    Grateful for the gesture,Shaneepted the bottles with a nod of thanks, recognizing the sentimental value behindBart''s gesture.


    As he made his way towards the estate''s entrance, he encounteredMr. Wadsworth,Shinja, andRazeawaiting his arrival…