Arjun stood on the edge of a collapsed building, overlooking the ruined streets below.
Fires spread across multiple blocks. Smoke covered the sky.
And everywhere—monsters.
Dozens of them. Different sizes. Same result.
Deadly.
But Arjun's focus wasn't on them.
It was on the message in front of him.
[Sector 17 Secured]
Reward Available: Authorization Level 1
Arjun frowned.
"Authorization Level… what exactly is that?"
[Authorization Level determines access to advanced system functions.]
A new interface appeared.
Authorization Upgrade Available
Level 0 → Level 1
Unlocks:
Equipment Expansion
Tactical Interface
Resource Detection
Arjun's eyes sharpened.
"Now that sounds useful."
He selected UPGRADE.
For a moment—everything froze.
Then—
data hit.
Maps. Signals. Energy flows. Movement patterns.
Too much.
Arjun grabbed his head.
"…Too much…"
[Integration Complete]
The overload stopped.
His vision stabilized.
The world looked the same—
but layered.
Buildings showed structural integrity.
Streets revealed movement paths.
And—
new signals.
Small glowing markers across the map.
[Resource Points Detected]
Arjun focused.
"What are those?"
[Ancient supply caches. Contains usable equipment.]
A slow smile formed.
"So I don't just fight… I grow."
[Nearest resource point: 230 meters]
Arjun nodded.
"Good. Let's move."
He jumped down.
The suit absorbed the impact.
No wasted motion.
This time—
he avoided fights.
Monsters moved through the streets, but Arjun moved around them.
Silent.
Efficient.
Seconds later—
he reached the location.
A collapsed structure blocked the entrance.
He pushed through.
Underneath—
a metal container.
Intact.
Marked.
[Supply Cache Detected]
Arjun crouched.
"Let's see."
The container opened.
Inside—
three items.
Energy Cell (High Capacity)
Combat Module — Speed Boost
Drone Upgrade Chip
Arjun picked up the energy cell.
[Energy capacity increased by 40%]
"Good."
He moved to the module.
[Install module?]
"Do it."
The suit pulsed.
Energy flowed through his legs.
[Speed increased by 25%]
He shifted slightly.
Immediate difference.
"Better."
Finally—
the drone chip.
[Upgrade drone?]
"Yes."
The chip dissolved.
Merged.
The drone changed—sharper, faster.
[Drone Upgrade Complete]
New Function: Threat Prediction
Arjun raised an eyebrow.
"Prediction?"
[Detects incoming high-threat attacks before execution.]
A faint smile.
"Useful."
Then—
everything shifted.
[WARNING]
Elite Unit approaching
Distance: 600 meters
Arjun's expression hardened.
"…Already."
The drone projected a path.
[Recommended action: relocate]
Arjun looked toward the signal.
Even now—
he felt it.
That pressure.
Heavy.
Closing in.
"This isn't like the others…"
[Elite Units act as commanders of invasion waves.]
His eyes narrowed.
"So they lead."
The marker moved.
500 meters.
Fast.
Too fast.
Arjun exhaled slowly.
"Running won't fix this."
He checked his interface.
More energy.
More speed.
Better drone.
"…I'm stronger than before."
[Survival probability if engaged: 21%]
A slight smirk.
"Still bad."
But better.
He moved—
not away.
Toward a narrow street.
Between buildings.
Limited space.
Controlled angles.
"…If I fight it…"
"…I choose where."
The marker stopped.
Then shifted.
Directly toward him.
Arjun took a breath.
"Good."
He raised the rifle.
Energy built along the barrel.
The drone hovered—focused.
The air thickened.
The ground trembled.
Then—
at the end of the street—
it appeared.
The Elite Unit.
Eyes locked.
No hesitation.
Arjun steadied himself.
"…Round two."
This time—
no hesitation.
Not confidence.
Not fear.
Just—
readiness.
The Elite Unit stepped forward.
The street trembled.
This time—
it didn't rush him.
It slowed down.
Like it was adjusting…
to him.