James sat on his couch, contemplating his options for a new perk. As he scrolled through the list in his head, he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. He needed to make the right choice, and quickly.

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. spoke up in James' mind, "Perhaps you should consider the Mechanical Aptitude perk, James. You already have a natural inclination towards fixing and tinkering with equipment. This perk would enhance your abilities and make you even more valuable to the community."

James nodded, "That's true, but I'm also worried about my physical abilities. I need to be able to defend myself if necessary."

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. responded, "I understand your concerns, James. But remember, the community is not just looking for fighters. They need people with a variety of skills, including those who can repair and maintain equipment. With this perk, you could help keep our resources and equipment in top condition, which is just as important as being able to fight."

James thought about it for a moment and realized that P.R.O.T.E.C.T. was right. He didn't need to be a one-man army; he needed to be a valuable member of the community. "You're right, P.R.O.T.E.C.T. I think the Mechanical Aptitude perk is the best choice for me."

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. nodded in agreement, "Excellent choice, James. With my help, we can edit your DNA to enhance your mechanical abilities even further."

James closed his eyes as P.R.O.T.E.C.T. worked its magic. He could feel a tingling sensation in his body as his DNA was altered to improve his mechanical aptitude. When he opened his eyes, he felt different, as if he had gained a new level of understanding about how machines worked.

James still sitting on his couch, deep in thought. P.R.O.T.E.C.T. had just informed him that he had 4 stat points to spend, which meant he had to choose wisely. He knew that the decisions he made now could mean the difference between life and death in the zombie-infested world outside. He took a deep breath and asked P.R.O.T.E.C.T. to run through the options.

"Alright, James. Here are your options," P.R.O.T.E.C.T. began, projecting a holographic display in front of James. "You can choose to increase your strength, agility, intelligence, or charisma. Each point you spend will increase the corresponding attribute by one point, up to a maximum of 10. What do you want to do?"

James studied the holographic display, considering each option carefully. He knew that he was already strong and agile enough to survive in this world, and his intelligence was one of his greatest assets. But he also knew that his lack of charisma had caused problems in the past. If he could improve his ability to persuade and lead others, he might be able to build stronger alliances and create a better future for himself and those around him.

"I think I want to increase my charisma," James said finally, looking up at P.R.O.T.E.C.T.

"Are you sure?" P.R.O.T.E.C.T. asked. "Your intelligence is already quite high. It could give you an advantage in a world where knowledge is power."

James nodded. "I know, but I've seen how important it is to be able to persuade and lead others. I think this is the best option for me right now."

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. nodded. "Very well, James. That leaves you with three more points to spend. How would you like to allocate them?"

James thought for a moment before replying. "I want to put two points into intelligence and one point into agility. I know I'm already quite agile, but every little bit helps."

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. nodded again. "Very well, James. I will make the necessary edits to your DNA."

James felt a strange sensation as P.R.O.T.E.C.T. began to alter his genetic code. It was not painful, but it was unsettling. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing until it was over.

When he opened his eyes again, P.R.O.T.E.C.T. had disappeared, and the holographic display had vanished. James stood up and stretched, feeling a newfound sense of strength and agility.

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As James' intelligence reached its peak at 10, he felt a sudden surge of energy in his mind. He could feel P.R.O.T.E.C.T. stirring within his consciousness, preparing to reveal something important.

"James," P.R.O.T.E.C.T. said, "You have unlocked a secret skill related to your intelligence. This is a rare occurrence, and it will grant you an incredible advantage in the apocalypse."

James' curiosity was piqued, and he asked, "What is this skill, P.R.O.T.E.C.T.?"

The AI's voice grew more excited as it explained, "The skill is called 'Cognitive Augmentation.' It is a unique ability that allows you to temporarily boost your cognitive functions beyond your natural limit. This means you will be able to think faster, process information more efficiently, and make decisions at lightning speed."

James couldn't believe what he was hearing. "How does it work, P.R.O.T.E.C.T.?" he asked.

"It's simple," P.R.O.T.E.C.T. replied. "All you have to do is activate the skill, and it will grant you a temporary boost to your intelligence. The effects will last for a short period of time, but during that time, you will be able to accomplish incredible feats of problem-solving and decision-making."

James was amazed by the possibilities that this new skill presented. "How long does the boost last?" he asked.

"The duration of the boost will depend on your level of focus and concentration," P.R.O.T.E.C.T. explained. "The longer you can maintain your focus, the longer the boost will last. But be careful not to overexert yourself. Using the skill too often or for too long could have adverse effects on your mental and physical health."

James nodded in understanding. He knew that he had to use this skill wisely and not abuse its power. "Thank you, P.R.O.T.E.C.T.," he said. "This is an incredible gift, and I will use it to the best of my abilities."

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. spoke to James in his head, "James, I have a new quest for you. We need you to go to the triage tent in the survivor community and diagnose at least 5 patients successfully using your new ability, Cognitive Augmentation."

James was a bit surprised, "What? I'm not a doctor, P.R.O.T.E.C.T. I have no medical training."

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. replied calmly, "That's true, James. But with your newfound ability, you'll be able to process information more efficiently and make decisions at lightning speed. You'll be able to diagnose patients faster and more accurately than anyone else."

James hesitated for a moment, but he knew that P.R.O.T.E.C.T. had his best interests at heart. He got up from his couch and headed out to the survivor community.

As he walked, P.R.O.T.E.C.T. continued to explain the intricacies of his new ability. "Cognitive Augmentation is a unique ability that allows you to temporarily boost your cognitive functions beyond your natural limit. It enhances your memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. You'll be able to diagnose patients with incredible accuracy."

James was still a bit apprehensive. "But how long will this ability last? And what if I make a mistake?"

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. reassured him, "The ability will last for a few hours, James. And don't worry, you won't make a mistake. Your cognitive functions will be so enhanced that you'll be able to diagnose patients with near-perfect accuracy."

As James arrived at the triage tent, he was greeted by a group of doctors and nurses who were tending to the patients. He explained his mission to them, and they welcomed him with open arms.

James took a deep breath and activated his Cognitive Augmentation ability. Instantly, he felt a rush of energy as his mind became sharper and more focused than ever before. He approached the first patient, a woman who was complaining of chest pains.

With lightning-fast speed, James analyzed her symptoms and came to a diagnosis. He explained his findings to the doctors and nurses, who were amazed by his accuracy. They confirmed his diagnosis and started treating the patient accordingly.

James moved on to the next patient, a man who had a high fever and was coughing uncontrollably. Once again, he diagnosed the patient with incredible accuracy, impressing everyone in the tent.

As he continued to diagnose patients, James felt more confident with each successful diagnosis. He realized that his new ability was not only useful in combat situations but also in everyday life.

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. chimed in, "See, James? I told you that your new ability would come in handy. You're making a real difference in these people's lives."

James smiled to himself as he continued to diagnose patients. He felt a sense of pride in his newfound ability and in the fact that he was able to help those in need.

After diagnosing the fifth patient, James felt the effects of his Cognitive Augmentation ability wearing off. He thanked the doctors and nurses for allowing him to help and made his way back to his house.

As he sat back on his couch, James reflected on his experience at the triage tent. He realized that his new ability was not just a weapon to use in combat, but also a tool to help others in need. He was grateful for P.R.O.T.E.C.T. and the way it had enhanced his abilities.

P.R.O.T.E.C.T. spoke up once more, "Well done, James. You've proven that your new ability is not just a weapon, but a tool for good. I'm proud of you"

James falls asleep on his couch proud of all the work he had accomplished in a day