The extreme tiredness was like a heavy blanket, pulling Eliot into a deep, empty sleep. When he finally stirred, it wasn't quite dawn, but the sky was a dark purple, hinting that morning was near. Every muscle in his body screamed in pain, a dull, constant ache that settled deep in his bones. He felt like he'd run a marathon and then been hit by a truck. His mouth was dry, his stomach a hollow pit of hunger.
He pushed himself up, groaning. The blue glow of the System was gone, the glowing words no longer in his sight. Only the quiet sounds of the city waking up, and the faint, familiar smell of damp earth remained. The big oak tree offered little comfort, but it had hidden him.
He touched his forehead, feeling cold, clammy sweat. The warning from last night echoed in his mind: (HOST ENERGY RESERVES: CRITICAL. SYSTEM STABILIZING.) He'd pushed himself beyond his limits, and his body was clearly suffering. This "System" was a strong tool, but it used his energy, his very life force. It wasn't endless.
His immediate needs roared back with new urgency. Food. Shelter. These weren't just ideas now; they were basic commands from his protesting body. He was still in danger, too. The UNKNOWN THREAT was still out there, possibly hurt but definitely not gone. He was a target now, attracting dangers.
He staggered to his feet, his backpack feeling like it was made of lead. The area right around him seemed safe, but he knew that wouldn't last. He had to move. But where? And how would he get food? Stealing still felt wrong, but his choices were quickly disappearing.
As if sensing his problem, the System's screen flickered back to life, though faintly, a see-through layer over the dim morning light.
IMMEDIATE NEEDS REMAIN:
* Food: Critical
* Shelter: Urgent
STRATEGIC RECOMMENDATIONS (Updated):
* Acquire Sustenance (High Priority: Find food locally/Trade)
* Secure Temporary Shelter (High Priority: Hidden Place)
* Analyze Threat (Medium Priority: After Recovery)
ASSISTANCE PROTOCOL: ACTIVE. (LIMITED FUNCTIONALITY DUE TO HOST ENERGY DEFICIT)
"Find food locally/Trade." Eliot focused on "Trade." What could he possibly trade? He had nothing. No money, nothing valuable. He was literally empty-handed.
Then, a risky and desperate idea sparked in his mind. The System had given him Basic Telekinesis. It had allowed him to hit an unseen enemy. Could he… could he use it for something more useful? Something that didn't involve stealing or digging through trash?
He thought of the convenience store again. It would be opening soon. What if he could do some small, impossible trick, in exchange for food? It was crazy. It was incredibly risky. But the other choices were starving or being exposed to the unseen threat again.
He took a deep, shaky breath. He had to be extremely careful. Not a big, flashy show. Just enough to convince someone, to get what he needed. His energy was barely there. One wrong move, one over-use of his power, and he'd be helpless.
He started walking, a slow, painful shuffle, back towards the street. The sun was just peeking over the horizon, casting long, pale shadows. His determination grew stronger with every painful step. He wasn't the man he used to be. He was something new, something broken, yes, but also something with an impossible power. And he had to use it if he wanted to survive.