The following morning arrived with the harsh buzz of the hub's wake-up alarm. Ted joined the line for breakfast rations, keeping his movements ordinary despite the new strength coursing through his body. Strength 22 and Vitality 22 made even the simple act of carrying his tray feel effortless, but he made sure to set it down with a slight sigh like everyone else.
Elena sat across from him, her short hair still messy from sleep. "Weekly scan today for you," she said quietly. "Marcus has been bragging that he convinced them to use the deeper neural scanner this time. Be ready."
Ted nodded, the Emergency Quest timer still ticking in the back of his mind. "I'll handle it. Just stay close after."
After the meal, Ted was escorted to the advanced medical wing, a sterile section with reinforced doors and scientists in lab coats moving between humming machines. The lead scientist from the initial screening waited, along with Colonel Voss observing via monitor and a new figure: Dr. Elias thorne, a thin man with sharp eyes and a tablet permanently in hand.
"Harlan," Dr. Thorne said without preamble. "We're running the neural integrity scan today alongside the standard viral panel. It detects any anomalous brain activity or regenerative patterns that standard tests might miss. Lie down on the table."
Ted complied, heart steady thanks to his enhanced control. As the scanner lowered over his head, he activated **Minor Flesh Crafting** at full power, spending another 30 Essence to fine-tune blood flow, neural signals, and even subtle temperature variations across his body.
*[Minor Flesh Crafting engaged. Essence cost: 30. Masking efficiency boosted to 92%.]*
The machine hummed loudly, lights flashing across his vision. Blue System text flickered privately:
*[Neural Scan in progress. Anomalous Necro-Virus signatures detected internally. Masking active. Success probability: 79%. Overuse of Regeneration skills may leave trace patterns.]*
Minutes passed in tense silence. Dr. Thorne watched the readings intently. "Interesting… elevated regenerative markers again, but no active viral replication. Neural activity shows heightened combat reflexes, but nothing outside possible awakened spectrum. Still, there's a faint… shadow in the limbic system. Could be trauma response."
Colonel Voss's voice came through the monitor. "Conclusion?"
Dr. Kane hesitated. "Clean enough for continued duty, but I recommend bi-weekly scans and a tracking implant for high-risk personnel."
Marcus, who had somehow managed to be present as "witness," smirked from the corner. "See? There's something there. He shouldn't be allowed on runs without supervision."
Ted sat up slowly as the scanner retracted. "I'm happy to do whatever keeps the hub safe," he said evenly. "I just want to contribute."
Colonel Voss nodded. "Approved for duty with monitoring. No implant yet,resources are limited. But one more irregularity, Harlan, and you go into observation. Dismissed."
Ted left the wing with Marcus trailing behind for a moment. "Enjoy your freedom while it lasts," the bully muttered. "I'm not done watching you."
Elena met Ted outside, relief visible on her face when he gave her a subtle nod. Their Ally Bond buff strengthened slightly from the shared tension.
Later that afternoon, Ted was assigned to a routine perimeter patrol with Elena and two other survivors. It was a low-threat loop along the cleared zone near the hub walls, but Horde Sense painted a different picture: a small group of eight lesser infected lingering just beyond the cleared area, drawn by faint scents.
While the others scanned the horizon, Ted used the cover of rubble to slip slightly ahead. He dispatched three isolated shamblers quickly and quietly, absorbing their essence in the shadows.
*[Necro Essence +9 +8 +11]*
The cold surge helped offset the crafting cost from the scan. With his total now around 450 again, he felt the steady accumulation.
As they completed the patrol, one of the soldiers remarked, "You've got good instincts, Harlan. Spotted that stray pack before the rest of us."
Ted shrugged it off. "Just careful."
Back inside, evening brought a new development. Dr. Thorne approached Ted in the communal area with a cautious smile. "Your results intrigue me, Harlan. Not many show natural resistance patterns like yours. If you're willing, I'd like to run some voluntary non-invasive tests later, could help us develop better antivirals."
Ted kept his expression neutral. "I'll think about it, Doctor. Right now I just want to focus on staying useful outside the walls."
The doctor nodded and left, but the offer lingered like a new threat.
That night, as Ted lay on his bunk, the System presented a tempting new notification:
*[Level 2 Milestone Quest Unlocked: Subtle Influence]*
*Use Basic Horde Sense to command or redirect at least 5 lesser zombies during an external mission without detection.*
*Reward: +100 Necro Essence + Basic Horde Command Skill Unlock (weak control over small groups).*
The hub offered relative safety, but Ted knew it was temporary. Weekly scans would get stricter. Marcus wouldn't stop. And the dead outside continued evolving.
He needed to grow faster, discreetly.
The ruined city waited beyond the walls, full of opportunities and dangers alike.
And Ted Harlan was determined to turn both to his advantage.