12. New Specialization (3)

The Maintenance Gloves…

Let’s test their capabilities.

Looking around the room, there’s nothing suitable to cut.

“……”

…Found something.

Not sure if I should, but here goes.

The bathroom door – thick wooden paneling.

…Let’s see.

I lightly poke it with my sword.

A slight crunch as the blade sinks in effortlessly.

“……”

More force this time.

The sword plunges through like the door was cardboard.

…Fucking amazing.

Testing my second sword – same result. The blade gleams like freshly forged after the gloves’ smoky treatment.

Dual wielding is viable now. Before, I needed both hands for proper skull penetration, but with these gloves…

Next morning, I head out wearing long sleeves to hide my tattoos. Breakfast is incredible – clamshell doenjang stew and kimchi pancakes. Ye-eun’s cooking skills are no joke.

The team dynamics are solid now. Hoon-ajae (the large man) volunteers to help Suhyun carry hardware supplies. The new mother even smiles occasionally. Good people to have around.

Today’s target: The mixed-use building across from the gas station. Its underground parking garage teems with infected. At least twenty visible from the entrance.

I take position behind an abandoned truck. The guttural growls (“Krrrr-krrrr”) confirm their presence. These things don’t sleep, don’t eat – just exist to spread corruption.

Dual swords drawn. The gloves provide perfect grip.

Fifteen meters to the entrance. Strategy: Lure them deeper inside where corpses can block the others.

“Acceleration!”

[Auto-cast: Acceleration]

The world slows as I charge. First strike – right sword through a skull, left through a throat (need to work on that).

Dancing through the horde, alternating strikes. Left hand still clumsy – like using chopsticks with my off-hand.

“Focus! Left hand! LEFT HAND!”

Each Acceleration burst nets 3-4 kills before retreating. The infected trip over fallen comrades, creating perfect bottlenecks.

Final tally: 27 kills using nearly all my Strength. As I sprint home, a notification appears:

[Level increased by 2]

…Wait, what?