Daniel Ward stepped away from the gym doors and moved onto the cracked sidewalk, the late afternoon sun glaring off broken glass and twisted metal. He still tasted dust in his throat. The pavement felt solid beneath his feet, yet everything else seemed unreal. Just hours ago, he’d sat bored in a law class, eyeing the clock and waiting for the lecture to end. Now he stood in an Austin that had been twisted by a system no one understood.
He took stock of his gear. The padded jacket, cheap helmet, and rusted machete weren’t exactly elite equipment, but they’d served him well enough. He patted the amulet hanging around his neck. Its gentle warmth reminded him he had a bit of extra health recovery now. He still had 20 Points in reserve, not enough for serious upgrades yet, but maybe he’d find more opportunities soon. He was Level 2, had tougher skin, and a handful of decent items. In this new world, that made him strong compared to most.
Still, strength was relative. The day wasn’t over, and his surroundings crackled with tension. Cars stood abandoned, their doors ajar. People wandered in small clusters, whispering or glaring suspiciously at each other. A distant wail suggested someone else had just discovered monsters lurking in a building. Overhead, the strange patterns of constellations shimmered faintly, as if the sky had grown bored and decided to show off hidden secrets.
Daniel gripped his machete and considered his next move. The System had given him a hint earlier: Explore, form alliances, or challenge more dungeons. He had already completed a small tutorial dungeon in the gym. He’d leveled up and gained a better sense of the interface. He pulled up his status screen for a quick review, just to be sure of his progress.
[Name: Daniel Ward
Level: 2
HP: 100 (base) + small bonus from Vitality
MP: 50
Stamina: 80
Strength: Slightly above normal
Vitality: Slightly above normal
Stamina Stat: Slightly improved
Constellation: Draco (Tier 1)
Points: 20
Exp: 0/200 (next level)
Skills: Ember Spark (basic fire attack), Tempered Skin (improved damage reduction), Fire Grip (enhances melee damage with fire) – Tempered Skin upgraded.
Equipment: Rusted Machete, Padded Jacket, Cheap Helmet, Sturdy Gloves, Minor Healing Amulet]
No extra ammo to worry about. No complicated spells beyond Ember Spark. Straightforward. He liked that.
Movement drew his attention to the north. On the corner, a scruffy young man with a bandana waved at him. Daniel strolled closer, keeping one eye on the street. The man held a length of pipe and had a makeshift holster taped to his belt.
“Hey, you seem like you know what’s going on,” said the man, voice low. “You cleared that gym, didn’t you?”
Daniel nodded. “Yeah, got some Points, leveled up.”
The man whistled softly. “Name’s Chase Rodriguez. I’m trying to figure out how to survive this mess. Some folks have holed up in the campus library, but I hear it’s turned into a death trap. Others talk about setting up barricades in the student union building. Heard anything?”
Daniel shook his head. “Not really. I’ve been winging it. Just learned how to buy gear with Points. You fought anything yet?”
Chase grimaced. “Couple goblins. Barely took one down with a metal pipe, got like 10 Points. Not enough to get much from the store. Need to farm more monsters, I guess.” He paused, scratching at the bandana. “Look, I’m not asking for charity, but I could use a partner. Strength in numbers and all that.”
Daniel weighed the idea. Chase looked like he could handle himself. Even a small boost in numbers might help if they ran into tougher monsters or rival survivors. On the other hand, Daniel liked his freedom. But going solo might be risky once bigger threats appeared. He still remembered his time as a cavalry scout. Going alone was possible, but a partner could watch his back.
Before he decided, a System message appeared:
[New Scenario Opportunity Detected:
“Secure a Safe Outpost”
Objective: Occupy and clear a designated building to create a stable base. Survivors who assist will gain shared rewards.
Recommended Locations:
* Campus Library (High difficulty, better rewards)
* Student Union Cafeteria (Moderate difficulty, moderate rewards)
* Campus Police Office (Low difficulty, fewer rewards but good for starting alliances)]
Daniel studied the options. Library was high difficulty—tempting rewards, but likely beyond his current gear. Student union offered a mid-level challenge. The campus police office would probably be easier, and maybe it had some basic gear: radios, flashlights, maybe even a few old riot shields. The System seemed to suggest grouping up, and starting small might be wise.
He turned to Chase. “We’ve got a scenario. Need to secure a building as a safe outpost. The police office on campus might be easiest.”
Chase’s eyes widened at the floating text Daniel showed him. “A System scenario, huh? That could mean real loot. I’m in.” He grinned. “Lead the way, man. I’ll follow.”
Daniel nodded and took a moment to open the System Store again. With only 20 Points, he couldn’t buy anything substantial. Maybe a spare health potion could help, but that would leave him broke. He checked Consumables:
[Minor Health Potion: 20 Points]
Just one potion would clean him out. Still, better safe than sorry. He’d earned Points once, he’d earn more again. He purchased it, and a small vial appeared at his feet. He tucked it into his jacket pocket.
They headed down the street, navigating around toppled newspaper stands and parked cars that blocked half the road. Here and there, Daniel noticed clusters of people looting convenience stores. Some shouted about “buying food from the System store” or complained that their normal snacks had started to taste foul. It was only day one, so normal food still worked. On day three, it would all rot. The knowledge pressed on Daniel’s mind. After that, everyone would be forced to fight monsters to feed themselves.
He and Chase slipped through a gap between two cars and followed the sidewalk toward the campus police office, which lay a few blocks away. The building was a small, squat structure where campus security and a few actual officers had maintained a minimal presence. Daniel recalled passing it many times. Now, it might be a dungeon or scenario location.
As they walked, Daniel spotted a girl balancing a broom handle like a spear. She looked about nineteen. Probably a student. She eyed them warily. Everyone was on edge. Daniel didn’t start a conversation—no point attracting too large a group.
Soon, the police office came into view. A single-story building with narrow windows, it had always looked unimpressive. Now, a glowing outline traced its doorframe. Daniel’s HUD pinged, confirming they’d reached the scenario site.
A system prompt appeared:
[Scenario: Secure the Campus Police Office
Difficulty: Low
Objective: Clear all monsters inside, hold the building for 5 minutes, and activate the System Beacon inside.
Reward: 150 Points, Shared Safe Zone (reduces monster spawn inside for a limited time), Small Weapon Crate]
Chase rubbed his hands together. “Sounds easy enough. Let’s get in there.”
Daniel pushed the door, and it opened with a creak. The interior lighting flickered erratically. A front desk stood against one wall, chairs scattered about, some knocked over. A blood smear trailed across the linoleum floor. The air smelled stale. Daniel gritted his teeth, reminded himself not to breathe too deeply.
A grunt drew his eye to the left. A goblin crouched behind the front desk, rummaging through a drawer. Another goblin hovered near a hallway. He caught a glimpse of something shambling in the shadows—probably a skeleton or zombie, given the system’s fondness for fantasy monsters.
Daniel signaled to Chase. He tapped his machete, then pointed at the closer goblin. Chase nodded and raised his pipe. They moved quickly. Daniel activated Fire Grip, warming the machete’s blade. He sprang around the desk, catching the goblin off guard. It snarled and swung a broken baton at him, but he blocked and cleaved downward, cutting it down fast.
Chase shouted from the hallway, “I got one!” The metallic clang of his pipe rang through the corridor. Daniel stepped over the goblin’s body and followed. Chase had cornered a skeleton in the narrow hall. The skeleton jabbed forward with a piece of rebar, forcing Chase to step back. Daniel rushed in from the side, slashing at the skeleton’s spine. Bones cracked and the skeleton collapsed. Chase grinned, wiping sweat from his brow.
A faint chime sounded in Daniel’s ear:
[+25 Points for defeating Skeleton
+10 Points for defeating Goblin
Total: 35 Points gained (shared kills give shared points)]
They had 35 Points split somehow. Possibly a shared pool or half each. He’d have to check later. For now, monsters first.
They crept forward, checking each office and storage room. A small breakroom contained a zombie gnawing on what looked like a desk chair cushion. Disgusting, but easy enough to handle. Ember Spark helped Daniel set it ablaze, and Chase finished it off with a swing to the head.
A message appeared:
[All Hostile Creatures Cleared.
Activate System Beacon in the Chief’s Office and Hold for 5 Minutes.]
“Chief’s office is probably at the back,” said Daniel. The building wasn’t large. They found a door with a nameplate (Chief Wilkins) half-hanging. Inside, the office was in disarray—papers everywhere, a broken coffee mug on the floor.
In the center of the room, a glowing pillar of light awaited. The System Beacon, presumably. Daniel approached it and received a prompt:
[Activate System Beacon?
Yes/No]
He hit Yes. The pillar pulsed, and a timer appeared:
[Hold the Building: 5:00 minutes remaining]
Chase leaned in the doorway. “So we just guard this place for five minutes? That’s it?”
“Seems so,” Daniel said, keeping his voice low. He didn’t trust that it would be this easy. The system loved throwing curveballs. “Be ready for reinforcements.”
As if on cue, they heard scratching at a window. A goblin tried to climb inside. Daniel rushed over and stabbed through the glass. The creature yelped and fell back. Another goblin smashed at a side door. Chase moved to block it, bracing his pipe like a spear.
For the next three minutes, small groups of monsters attempted to breach the building. Mostly goblins and a skeleton or two. Daniel and Chase handled them without much trouble. The lack of tougher foes was a relief. Daniel focused on using Ember Spark to weaken them before finishing with the machete. Chase swung his pipe hard, getting more confident with each kill.
At the four-minute mark, a larger shape appeared outside the main entrance—a tall orc wearing a patchwork vest and holding a crude axe. It slammed into the door, cracking it. Daniel cursed under his breath. The orc was something new. He’d seen goblins and skeletons, but orcs were a step up. They tended to be stronger, more aggressive.
Chase’s eyes went wide. “That thing’s big.”
“Use your head,” said Daniel. He considered his options. Ember Spark might hurt it, but probably not enough to bring it down alone. His machete was rusted junk. Could he buy something quickly now that he had more Points? Yes, that might help. The orc wouldn’t wait, though. He had to be fast.
He opened the System Store in a rush:
[Points: (He had 20 before entering, plus 35 gained = 55 Points total now, minus no recent purchases, so 55 total?)]
He needed something better than a rusted machete. He skimmed weapons again:
– Reinforced Machete: 60 Points (Just out of reach)
– Hatchet: 40 Points (Better than rusted machete, a bit more damage)
– Cheap Spear: 35 Points (Longer reach but fragile)
He only had 55 Points. If he bought the hatchet for 40, he’d have 15 left. Not enough to buy much else. Still, a hatchet might do better damage. Alternatively, he could just try to fight with what he had. But the orc was big, and better gear might save his skin.
He purchased the Hatchet for 40 Points. A dull, heavy hatchet appeared. It looked sturdier than the machete. He tossed the machete aside and gripped his new weapon.
The door cracked again. Chase readied himself. Daniel activated Fire Grip and called out, “When it breaks through, I’ll strike first. You back me up.”
Chase nodded, sweat dripping down his face.
The door splintered and the orc barged in with a roar. It swung its axe at Daniel. He parried with the hatchet and felt the heavy impact jar his arm. This creature was strong. He sidestepped, slashing at its arm. The hatchet bit deep. Orc blood spattered on the floor. The creature howled and swung again.
Chase darted in from the side, jabbing the pipe at the orc’s knee. The orc stumbled, giving Daniel a chance. He raised the hatchet high and brought it down on the orc’s neck. Fire-enhanced steel tore through muscle. The orc crashed down. Daniel struck again to finish it off.
[+50 Points
Orc Slain]
The timer flashed: 00:30 seconds left. No other monsters seemed to be approaching. They caught their breath, watching the door. Nothing more. When the timer hit zero, a chime rang out:
[Scenario Complete!
+150 Points Each
Small Weapon Crate Awarded (Shared)
Safe Zone Established: Monsters will not spawn inside this building for 24 hours]
A wooden crate materialized on the chief’s desk. Daniel pried it open. Inside lay a short sword and a small crossbow with 5 bolts. The short sword looked like decent quality, better than his hatchet maybe.
He turned to Chase. “Fair is fair. We both earned this.”
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Chase eyed the weapons. “I’m more comfortable with blunt weapons, but a crossbow might come in handy. What do you think?”
Daniel considered. He had a hatchet now, and a short sword might be even better. The crossbow offered range, which was valuable. He had Ember Spark for range, but it cost mana. The crossbow didn’t rely on mana, but limited ammo would be a problem.
He weighed the options carefully:
* If he took the short sword, he’d have a reliable melee weapon, better than a rusted machete and possibly better than the hatchet.
* If he took the crossbow, he’d gain ranged flexibility without spending mana. But bolts were limited, and Points might be needed to buy more.
Chase had a pipe. He might benefit from the short sword since it’s a straightforward upgrade. But Daniel earned this scenario equally. He needed to think about what suited him best. Draco favored close combat and fire-based attacks. A good melee weapon fit his style. The crossbow might gather dust in his inventory if he stuck to magic and melee.
He decided:
“I’ll take the short sword. You take the crossbow,” Daniel said. “That way, we both improve.”
Chase nodded. “Works for me.” He picked up the crossbow, testing its string. Daniel took the short sword, admiring its balance. He tried a few practice swings. Much better than the hatchet. The blade wasn’t shiny or ornate, just a reliable piece of steel. He kept the hatchet as a backup weapon—no reason to throw it away.
They now had a small safe zone. The building wouldn’t spawn monsters for a day, which meant a place to rest or store items if needed. He and Chase settled into the chief’s office chairs, catching their breath. Night would come eventually. Would the monsters get worse then? It seemed likely.
Chase spoke up, voice quiet. “We did good. Got Points, got gear, got a safe place. Now what?”
Daniel opened his own Points menu. He had spent 40 on the hatchet earlier. He had gained 150 now, plus 50 from the orc, plus earlier kills. He tried to sum it up:
Before entering the police office, he had 20 Points. Earned 35 during the clear (up to 55), spent 40 (down to 15), then earned 150 (up to 165), plus 50 for the orc (215 total), and no other deductions. So around 215 Points now. Not bad. Enough to buy better armor or a decent secondary weapon.
He considered their next steps. They had a safe zone, so they could rest. But he wanted to grow stronger, level up more, and prepare for bigger threats. Eventually, larger monsters would appear. And he needed Exp—fighting basic mobs gave Points, but not Exp. Dungeons or scenarios gave Exp. Maybe he should try a bigger scenario soon.
A System message popped up:
[Tip: Completing scenarios and dungeons yields Exp. Defeating random monsters yields Points but no Exp. Consider taking on more structured challenges to level up.]
Daniel turned to Chase. “We need to find another scenario or a dungeon. I need Exp to level again. Points are good, but without leveling, we’ll fall behind.”
Chase nodded, fiddling with the crossbow’s bolt. “Agreed. I feel tougher, but I haven’t leveled once. Guess I need a scenario too. Maybe we can find a moderate challenge. The student union building might give a decent scenario.”
Another prompt:
[Scenario Available: Secure the Student Union Cafeteria
Difficulty: Moderate
Estimated Rewards: 300 Points, 200 Exp, Medium Equipment Box
Warning: Multiple enemy types, possible mini-boss]
Daniel read it aloud. Chase raised an eyebrow. “That’s a step up. We handled the police office, but we got lucky. Orcs hit hard. A moderate scenario might be risky.”
Daniel flexed his shoulders. He had new weapons, better stats, and some armor. He could buy even better gear now. Also, if they recruited one or two more survivors, they might stand a better chance. The student union building would attract others—maybe National Guard remnants or ROTC cadets. They could bring firearms, making the fight easier.
He checked the store again, thinking about upgrades:
With 215 Points, he could buy better armor. Maybe a better chest piece or a shield. He opened the Armor section:
[Armor Tier 1 Options:
– Reinforced Leather Vest (100 Points): Better defense than padded jacket.
– Sturdy Boots (50 Points): Slight speed and protection.
– Light Shield (80 Points): Wooden shield, blocks some melee attacks.
– Steel Helmet (90 Points): Better than cheap helmet.]
He considered his style. A shield would help block attacks and keep him alive, especially against tougher enemies. The vest would increase overall defense. With 215 Points, he could buy a vest and a shield, but that would leave him with about 35 Points. Or he could buy a vest and boots for 150 total, leaving 65 for potions.
A shield sounded good. He was used to being aggressive, but blocking an orc’s swing safely was appealing. He decided:
* Buy Reinforced Leather Vest for 100 Points.
* Buy Light Shield for 80 Points.
That would total 180, leaving him 35 Points. Enough for a potion or some food later.
He selected the vest. A moment later, a decent leather vest appeared on the desk. He replaced his padded jacket with it. The vest felt tougher and better fitted. Next, the shield. A small wooden shield with metal bracings appeared. He strapped it to his left arm, tested its weight. Not bad.
Chase watched him with envy. “I need more Points.”
Daniel smiled grimly. “Keep fighting, and you’ll get them. Maybe we can recruit someone before hitting the union. We’ll move as a team of three or four. More fighters, more loot, more kills.”
Chase stood and stretched. “We can ask around outside. People might want safety in numbers.”
They left the office, stepping back into the street. The sun dipped lower, casting long shadows. Survivors were still out there, some clinging to any sense of normalcy. A pair of students tried to cook instant noodles over a trash can fire. Another sat on a curb, weeping quietly. Others just wandered, avoiding eye contact.
As Daniel and Chase made their way toward the student union, a voice called out, “Hey, you two! Wait up!”
A soldier in partial National Guard fatigues jogged over, an M4 rifle slung across his chest. He was young, maybe early twenties, but moved with purpose. Daniel recognized the stance of a trained fighter. This must be Devon Carlisle, or at least someone like him.
The soldier stopped a few feet away, not lowering his guard entirely. “I’m Devon Carlisle, Texas National Guard. You two seem organized. You know what’s going on?”
Daniel shrugged. “Best guess: The world’s gone system-based. Monsters spawn, we earn Points, buy gear, and survive scenarios. We just secured the campus police office and turned it into a safe zone.”
Devon’s eyes widened. “A safe zone? That’s good news. I’m trying to regroup survivors and establish order. Any chance we can cooperate?”
Daniel exchanged a glance with Chase. They needed allies, and Devon had a rifle, which was valuable. “We’re heading to the student union cafeteria next,” Daniel said. “It’s a scenario. Moderate difficulty. We could use more fighters.”
Devon frowned. “I’ve got limited ammo. But if we can secure a stable source of food or Points, I’m in. Just know I’m not giving orders—my chain of command’s gone. I’m just trying to help.”
Daniel nodded. “We’re all on equal footing here. Let’s move.”
As they approached the student union building, a short girl with wiry muscles and a baseball bat over her shoulder joined them. She said her name was Riley Chang. Daniel remembered seeing her in class, always quiet and taking notes. She claimed to have figured out some system quirks from watching others. “Monsters get tougher over time, and we need to keep leveling,” she said. “I want in. I’ve got about 50 Points and a good bat.”
They formed a team of four: Daniel, Chase, Devon, and Riley. In front of them, the student union cafeteria’s doors shimmered with a familiar aura. It looked like a large building that once held coffee shops, fast food counters, and seating areas for students. Now it would be something else entirely.
A system message appeared as they neared:
[Scenario: Secure the Student Union Cafeteria
Difficulty: Moderate
Objective: Clear all three wings of the cafeteria, defeat the mini-boss (Orc Captain), and activate the System Control Terminal.
Time Limit: 30 minutes
Reward: +200 Exp, +300 Points each, Medium Equipment Box, Temporary Food Supply Access]
Devon whistled. “200 Exp would level me up for sure.”
Chase nodded, knuckles tight around his pipe. “This is our shot.”
Riley checked her makeshift bat. “Let’s do it. We can handle orcs if we work together.”
Daniel opened the door and stepped inside. The interior flickered as the scenario instance took hold. Tables rearranged themselves into barricades, and magical torches lined the walls. The smell of sweat and stale grease lingered, probably from whatever magic had twisted this place into a dungeon-like environment.
The building had three wings: North, East, and West wings, each likely filled with monsters. A message appeared:
[Clear Order Recommended: Start with East Wing (lowest difficulty), then West Wing, then North Wing where the mini-boss awaits.]
Riley pointed to a hallway marked “East Serving Area.” “We start there,” she said, voice steady. “Stay close.”
They advanced, weapons raised. The East Wing was a series of small kitchen areas and storage rooms. They spotted goblins rummaging in pantries, skeletons wandering aimlessly, and a pair of zombies hunched over a fallen vending machine. Devon took careful shots with his rifle, dropping a goblin before it could react. Chase used his crossbow to weaken another. Daniel and Riley charged in to finish them off. Working as a team, they cleared the wing quickly. No one took serious injuries.
[East Wing Cleared: 10 minutes elapsed
Proceed to West Wing]
They returned to the main hall and turned toward the West Wing. This side had been transformed into a dim marketplace with stalls of broken food stands. Orcs patrolled, carrying crude weapons. One orc spotted them and bellowed, bringing two more charging forward.
Devon fired his rifle. The shots echoed, and an orc stumbled, clutching its shoulder. Riley smashed another’s knee with her bat, and Daniel blocked a heavy swing with his shield, then retaliated with a fiery slash from his short sword. Chase fired a crossbow bolt that hit an orc in the chest. The creature roared but pressed on. Daniel activated Ember Spark, striking it in the face with a burst of flame. It fell back, and Riley finished it.
They pressed deeper, facing four more orcs and a handful of goblins. The fight was tougher, but with coordinated attacks, they pushed through. Devon’s rifle was down to half a magazine. Chase’s crossbow bolts were nearly gone. Daniel’s mana was low from frequent Ember Sparks. Riley was breathing hard but uninjured.
[West Wing Cleared: 20 minutes elapsed
Proceed to North Wing for Mini-Boss]
They regrouped in the main hall. Ten minutes left. The North Wing would hold the Orc Captain. They needed a strategy.
Riley spoke first. “Orc Captain’s probably strong. Maybe has armor or special skills. We should focus on minions first, then gang up on the captain. Devon, save your shots for the boss’s head if possible.”
Devon nodded, sweat on his brow. “Got about six rounds left. I’ll make them count.”
Chase hefted his pipe. “I’ll try to draw minions away. Daniel, you go for the captain?”
Daniel considered his role. He had good defense and fire skills. Taking on the captain head-on was risky, but he had the shield and upgraded defense. If anyone could stall the boss, it was him. They all needed Exp, and the mini-boss would give a big payoff.
They entered the North Wing. The cafeteria here was larger, with overturned tables forming rough barriers and a central area cleared for what looked like an orc war camp. The Orc Captain stood at the far end, taller than any orc they’d seen, wearing crude metal armor and holding a chipped but hefty greataxe. Around him, four orcs patrolled, plus a goblin shaman fiddling with a staff.
The Orc Captain grunted, and the whole group charged as soon as they saw the humans. Daniel rushed forward, shield raised. He bashed aside a goblin that tried to intercept and engaged one of the orcs. Devon fired a shot that punched through an orc’s torso. Chase shot a bolt, injuring another. Riley flanked left, bashing a goblin’s skull.
The goblin shaman raised its staff, muttering. A flare of dark energy flickered at its tip. Daniel saw this and shouted, “Get the shaman!” Spellcasters could be trouble. He hurled Ember Spark at it. The flame struck the goblin’s arm, causing it to shriek and drop its staff. Riley seized the chance, charging and delivering a crushing blow to its skull. No more spells.
Three orcs remained, plus the captain. One orc lunged at Chase, who parried with his pipe but staggered under the brute’s strength. Devon took careful aim and fired a bullet into that orc’s head. It dropped. Two orcs left, both circling Daniel.
Daniel focused on defense, blocking an overhead slash with his shield and countering with his sword. Fire Grip activated, heating the blade. The orc howled as the blade bit into its shoulder. The second orc tried to flank, but Riley smashed it from behind. The teamwork was paying off.
Now only the Orc Captain remained. It roared, rattling its armor. Devon fired a shot at its head. The bullet pinged off a metal plate. Armor was thicker than expected. The orc rushed Daniel, swinging its greataxe in a wide arc. Daniel raised his shield. The impact knocked him back, rattling his teeth. Strong.
Chase moved in from the side, pipe swinging at the Captain’s knee. The Captain kicked him away. Riley circled, searching for an opening. Devon took another shot, aiming for a gap in the armor. The bullet lodged in the Captain’s side. The orc snarled, annoyed but not down.
Daniel knew he had to keep it busy. He struck with his sword, aiming at the orc’s arm. Sparks flew as metal met metal. He tried Ember Spark again, but his mana was running low. The flame flickered weakly, scorching the Captain’s chin. The creature flinched, giving Riley the opening she needed to slam her bat into its leg. The Captain stumbled.
Chase rose, wincing, and stabbed at the orc’s calf. Between Riley’s bat and Chase’s pipe, the Captain’s leg was battered. Devon fired his last bullet, striking near the orc’s face. Dazed and wounded, the Captain left itself open. Daniel stepped forward, Fire Grip still active, and aimed a finishing slash at the orc’s neck. The blade bit deep. With a final gurgling roar, the Orc Captain toppled.
[Mini-Boss Defeated!
Scenario Complete!
+200 Exp, +300 Points each
Medium Equipment Box Awarded
Temporary Food Supply Access Unlocked]
Daniel felt a surge of strength. A chime sounded:
[Level Up!
Daniel Ward is now Level 3
+5 Stat Points, +1 Skill Point]
Riley and Chase both whooped, thrilled at their success. Devon sighed in relief, lowering his empty rifle.
They gathered around the Medium Equipment Box that appeared on a table. Inside, they found a handful of items:
* Iron Sword (better than short sword)
* Sturdy Leather Boots
* Basic Staff (for magic users)
* Quiver of 20 Arrows
* A strange token labeled “Faction Token”
Daniel eyed the boots and sword. He currently had a decent short sword. The iron sword would likely be a straight upgrade. Riley had only a bat, maybe she deserved an upgrade. But she seemed more of a blunt-weapon fighter. Devon was out of ammo, but the box didn’t provide bullets, only arrows and a staff he couldn’t use. Chase might eventually find a bow. The arrows could help if they got a bow, but none of them had chosen Orion or a bow skill yet.
They had to split the loot. Daniel considered the best allocation:
* He could take the iron sword, giving him better melee damage.
* Riley didn’t seem interested in the staff; she preferred melee. The boots might help her move faster or offer better protection.
* Chase might hold onto the arrows for trade later.
* Devon got nothing from this box that directly helped, but maybe the Faction Token would interest him.
He voiced his suggestions: “I’ll take the iron sword since I’m on the front lines. Riley, you can have the boots. Chase, hold onto the arrows. Devon, how about this Faction Token?”
Devon examined the token. “It might help establish a larger group or gain NPC allies if that becomes possible. Fine with me.”
Everyone agreed. Daniel swapped his short sword for the iron sword, feeling its weight. Good balance and a sharper edge. Riley tried on the boots, liking the fit. Chase pocketed the arrows, and Devon tucked the token away.
They also unlocked temporary food supply. A glowing panel appeared at the back of the cafeteria, letting them exchange Points for fresh meals that wouldn’t rot. Each purchased a meal, cheap and filling, restoring some health and stamina. It cost a few Points, but worth it to regain strength.
Now that he was Level 3, Daniel assigned his stat points. He had 5 points again. He considered boosting Strength for more damage, Vitality for durability, or Stamina for longer fights. He put 2 points into Strength, 2 into Vitality, 1 into Stamina. Tough and strong suited him.
For his skill point, he opened the Draco skill tree again:
[Draco Tier 2 Skills require Level 5.
At Level 3, you may upgrade a Tier 1 skill again or unlock a minor passive ability.]
Options for upgrades appeared:
* Ember Spark Upgrade II: Increase damage and slight splash effect.
* Fire Grip Upgrade II: Longer duration and small chance to ignite enemies.
* Tempered Skin Upgrade II: Further damage reduction or elemental resistance.
Or a minor passive:
* Draconic Presence (Passive): Slight intimidation effect on weaker monsters, minor boost to morale for allies.
* Ember Rest (Passive): Faster mana recovery when not in combat.
Draconic Presence might help control the battlefield. Faster mana recovery sounded good too, but intimidation might save him effort by making weaker monsters hesitate. He often fought directly, so scaring foes could tip fights in his favor.
He chose Draconic Presence. A wave of warmth spread through him. He felt a subtle shift, as if he carried a bit of a dragon’s aura now.
As they finished their meals and assigned points, Devon looked outside. Night was coming. Streetlamps began to flicker. He cleared his throat. “We have a safe zone at the police office. We could hole up there overnight. Or we could try to push on, find another scenario.”
Riley shook her head. “Night might bring stronger monsters. We should rest, plan our next move.”
Chase agreed. “Yeah, let’s not get greedy. We got a lot today.”
Daniel considered it. He wanted to get stronger, but charging into unknown territory at night could be stupid. The police office safe zone would be a good place to rest. They could store items, discuss strategy, maybe recruit more people. He nodded.
“Back to the police office. We’ll fortify it, rest, and tomorrow we tackle something bigger.”
They stepped outside. The System’s changes had turned Austin into a battleground, but they’d carved out a foothold. They headed back, weary but stronger than before.
As they walked, Daniel noticed people peeking out from behind overturned cars. Word might spread that a team of survivors was clearing scenarios. That could attract followers or enemies. Still, if they formed a stable group, they could dominate these challenges.
Arriving at the police office, they sealed the doors. Some improvised barricades would help. Inside, the System Beacon still kept monsters away. They found a spare room with cots and benches to rest. Devon took first watch.
Daniel sat on a bench, cleaning the blood from his new iron sword with a rag. He eyed his makeshift team: Chase, eager but inexperienced. Riley, practical and calm. Devon, disciplined and armed with a precious rifle. They weren’t friends exactly, but necessity made them allies.