After releasing the robot to work for a while, Ryan was surprised to find that the torch stump, which served as the power source, quickly wilted. He also sensed that the life of the torch stump was slowly declining.
Could it be due to FEV virus pollution and radiation in the air? Thinking of this, Ryan immediately ordered the robot to stop construction and then sent a note to Plants vs. Zombies requesting some sealed containers.
Once the sealed container was delivered, Ryan instructed the robot to collect samples of water, air, and soil, sending them back to the world of Plants vs. Zombies along with the wilting plants. He then retrieved several high-pressure steam storage tanks to serve as a temporary energy source, allowing the robots to clean up the site and build a shelter there.
By the time he finished, Overton and his wife had gathered supplies and were preparing to visit Concord. Ryan considered the situation and decided to join them. Since he needed to collect more materials, visiting the city was necessary.
At the Red Rocket pit, they encountered a group of mutant moles. After applying the Iron Armor Charm to the three of them, Ryan waved his wand and joined in the fight against the mutant moles.
During the battle, Ryan tested various spells. He found that the Disarming Charm had no effect on the moles, while the Stunning Charm successfully incapacitated them. Surprisingly, the ancient Viking spell, "Unclean and Quiet," was highly effective, inflicting significant damage on the mutant creatures.
As he collected loot after the battle, Ryan reflected: Most creatures in this world have mutated due to virus weapons and radiation. The "Unclean and Quiet" spell, designed for unnatural beings, was particularly effective. Additionally, since this world was dominated by science and technology, the mutations were entirely scientific in origin, leading to poor magical resistance, making them easy to defeat.
At this point, Ryan transported all the computers and useful equipment from the repair station back to the world of Plants vs. Zombies through the time-space gate. Shortly after, he received a note from Dr. Zombie Bruce, stating that they had discovered something valuable in the plant samples and were taking them to the lab for research. If similar biological samples were found, they should be sent back in large quantities. The warehouse had been upgraded to the highest standard of sealed space, eliminating contamination concerns.
It seemed that if they encountered a Deathclaw later, using the spell might not be wise, as it could turn the creature into ashes before research could be conducted.
After collecting the loot, the three had a disagreement. Overton argued that the world was far more dangerous than before and insisted that Daisy should return to Sanctuary or another safe location. However, Daisy disagreed, believing that she needed to adapt to the harsh conditions.
Ryan watched their argument and quickly intervened, as nightfall was approaching and he had no desire to fight a Deathclaw in the dark.
After Ryan assured Overton that he could provide protection through magic, Overton finally agreed to keep the group together. They adopted a formation with Overton, the experienced soldier, in the front, Ryan, the magic user, in the back, and Daisy protected in the middle.
On their way to Concord, they easily dispatched two enormous mutant mosquitoes. As they reached the intersection, gunfire rang out from the town.
Overton's expression changed upon hearing the shots, signaling everyone to take cover. He then cautiously moved towards the source of the gunfire.
After advancing carefully, they spotted a raider shooting at the museum while another stood guard.
Overton signaled Ryan to handle the situation. Ryan cast the Illusionary Charm and the Iron Armor Charm, then approached the two raiders while invisible.
A moment later, blood spurted from one raider's neck. However, the attack disrupted the invisibility spell. The second raider noticed and began to turn his gun, but Ryan quickly disarmed him with a spell, allowing Overton to knock him unconscious.
Overton dragged the captive back to their hiding spot, tied him up, and woke him for interrogation.
As expected, the raiders were ruthless criminals. Realizing his fate, the captive spilled all the information they needed. Once Overton confirmed the details, he swiftly executed the raider.
Ryan felt a chill run down his spine. Despite all the battles he had fought, this was the first time he had witnessed a human killed in front of him, and it unsettled him. Daisy had an even stronger reaction, retching at the sight.
After a few minutes of composing themselves, they refused Overton's offer to stay behind and decided to continue to the museum to rescue the trapped civilians.
Ryan picked up a short double-barreled shotgun left behind by the raiders. Since he had little experience with firearms, a shotgun seemed like a suitable choice.
After eliminating a few scattered raiders near the museum, they encountered a wounded militia member who pleaded for their help in rescuing those trapped inside.
Ryan used healing magic on the injured man, who then grabbed his gun and joined them.
Using his life-detecting magic, Ryan helped the team systematically eliminate enemies inside the museum. Eventually, they reached the top floor and met Preston.
Among the survivors was an elderly woman named Mum Murphy. Upon seeing Ryan, she muttered, "Who are you? I have never seen you in the past or the future."
Others dismissed her words, but Ryan sensed that she might be a true seer or at least partially correct.
Following Preston's guidance, Overton went upstairs to check on the power armor, while Ryan went downstairs to retrieve the nuclear fusion core.
Since all the raiders had been eliminated, Ryan used a grappling rope to descend from the upper level into the basement. He then used an unlocking spell to open a secure door, retrieved the nuclear fusion core, and used the rope to quickly ascend again. At the rooftop entrance, he encountered Overton, who had just arrived.
Ryan handed the nuclear fusion core to Overton and then moved onto the rooftop with him.
The moment they stepped outside, a bullet struck nearby, kicking up dust. Ryan quickly cast the Iron Armor Charm on both of them before retaliating with the shotgun, buying time for Overton to activate the power armor.
After taking down a sniper on the opposite rooftop, Ryan noticed that he didn't experience the anxiety or stress he had expected from killing a human. Perhaps, after everything he had been through, he had become desensitized.
After several minutes of intense gunfire, Ryan managed to prevent the raiders from advancing. However, as they drew closer, their shots became increasingly accurate. Without his magical shield, he might have been wounded.
Realizing the danger, Ryan reinforced his Iron Armor spell multiple times. Just as he feared they might be overwhelmed, he finally heard the hum of an electric motor behind him—the power armor was operational.
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