The sun barely pierced the heavy clouds as Jaden and his team returned to their hideout. The air still hung thick with the metallic scent of blood and dust.
Inside the makeshift command center, Jaden slumped into a chair, exhaustion heavy in his limbs. His fingers absentmindedly brushed over the faint glow of the Lock System hovering before him.
He hadn't checked his status screen in days. Too busy surviving. Too focused on the next fight.
Suddenly, the interface flared brighter than before, pulling his attention.
Curious, he tapped the display—and his eyes widened.
His attributes.
His strength, endurance, agility—far beyond what he remembered.
He hadn't realized just how much he'd grown.
Enemy defeated: Elite Class Zombie
Combat Experience +75
Lock Points +2
Strength +8
Agility +7
Endurance +6
Perception +5
Reflex +10% (Temporary Boost)
Jaden's heart raced as the numbers tallied up.
Name: Jaden Knightley
Attributes:
Strength: 46 (+8)
Endurance: 42 (+6)
Agility: 51 (+7)
Perception: 38 (+5)
Reflex: Enhanced +24% (Temporary)
Skills:
Adrenal Core (Active)
Reflex Pulse (Active)
Phase Trigger (Active)
Shadow Bind (Active)
Locks Owned:
#001 Adrenal Core
#007 Reflex Pulse
#012 Phase Trigger
#014 Shadow Bind
Inventory:
Folding Knife (Uncommon)
Energy Bar ×2
Bandage ×1
Energy Drink ×1
Jaden leaned back, stunned.
He had no idea he'd come this far.
The shadow tether—the new skill he'd unlocked during the fight—felt even more potent now.
Tess and Marcus exchanged impressed looks.
"You really put that to work," Marcus said.
Jaden nodded slowly, a newfound fire kindling inside him.
"If this is what I can do now, imagine what's next. Eclipse won't know what hit them."
Tess's eyes gleamed with determination. "We're ready for whatever comes."
Jaden's mind raced—planning, training, building.
Every enemy defeated had made him stronger. Every battle had sharpened his edge.
Survival wasn't just about staying alive anymore.
It was about becoming unstoppable.