DAY 4: DISCOVERY AND DECISION
Dante’s muscles burned as he completed another one-arm pull-up, sweat dripping down his forehead and falling onto the dusty ground below. His body trembled slightly as he hung from the makeshift bar, his stamina waning after a long session of training. Determined to push his limits, he released his grip and dropped lightly to the ground, breathing heavily.
Wiping the sweat from his brow, Dante brought up his status screen, curious to see if his efforts had paid off.
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Dante Creed: Male
Level: 14
job: None
Race : human
Health: 175/190 +20 (severe right hand)
Mana: 123/160
Stamina: 8/12
Strength: 15.2 (+2)
Agility: 16
Defense: 12
stats points who you didn't use: 10
Title: one from the hundred
skills - 3
Bone Control (Unique ) LV 3: the ability to manipulate and control bones within own body use Mana
Bone claw = grow deadly bone from your hand to claw, use 2 Mana every second
Bone Bullet = Can fire bone projectiles that spin from the fingers, the bones who were fired will regenerate , use 6 Mana per bullet
Bone spike = grow deadly bone from your hand to spike use 4 Mana every second
Eye of Appraisal (Unique) LV 2: Can discern the information of monsters and items up to 6 levels higher.
Marksmanship (Basic) LV 4: Improves accuracy and precision with firearms.
Increases accuracy by 13% and penetration by 8%.
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A faint smile tugged at Dante’s lips. His Strength stat had increased, confirming Jack’s earlier theory about physical training improving stats. Moreover Dante Marksmanship skill had finally reached Level 4 during the morning patrol , further sharpening his edge.
“Guess the hard work pays off,” he muttered, satisfaction lacing his tone.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Before he could fully recover or dwell on his progress, the sound of commotion rippled through the camp. He turned sharply, his instincts on high alert. Survivors were gathering near the center of the camp, their excited chatter filling the air.
Dante jogged toward the crowd, his curiosity piqued. A man holding a crackling radio stood at the center of the group, his face alight with a mix of excitement and urgency.
“I overheard a transmission,” the man announced, his voice steady despite the crackling interference. “There’s talk of a military settlement to the north. It’s not far from here—maybe a day or two on foot. They’ve securing the area, and they’re calling for survivors to join them.”
Gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
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Later That Evening
After consulting with Maya about the transmission, Dante convened his group, including young Oliver, for a private discussion. His tone was firm yet thoughtful as he addressed them.
“Tomorrow, you three—Jack, Nir, and Natasha—will secure the area around the camp,” he said, gesturing to each of them. “Make sure everything’s clear. I’ll coordinate with Oliver and Maya. Her Water Arrow skill and my Bone Bullets will target the horde from the bridge. If we do this right, we can thin their numbers without unnecessary risks, which makes our next task much easier.”
The group nodded in agreement, their resolve clear. However, as the others began discussing tactics, Natasha stepped closer to Dante, her expression troubled.
“Dante, can we talk for a second?” she said in a low voice, motioning for some privacy.
Dante nodded, stepping aside with her. “What’s on your mind?”
Natasha crossed her arms, her gaze flickering to where Oliver was inspecting his gear. “It’s about Oliver,” she said bluntly. “He’s just a kid, Dante. Sixteen. I know he’s eager, and he’s proven himself, but sending him out there—especially for a task like this—it feels wrong.”
Dante’s brows furrowed, his voice calm but resolute. “I hear you, Natasha. But Oliver’s not just some reckless kid. He’s smart, resourceful, and he knows this area better than any of us. He’s been out there before, mapping the terrain and scouting for supplies. That experience is invaluable.”
Natasha shook her head slightly, her voice tinged with worry. “I’m not questioning his intelligence, Dante. I’ve seen how sharp he is. But intelligence doesn’t stop a claw from ripping through him. What if something goes wrong? Can you live with that?”
Dante’s gaze softened, and he placed a hand on Natasha’s shoulder. “I get it. I do. I’ve thought about it too. But Oliver’s proven himself in combat. Remember i see him fight in patrol.”
Natasha hesitated, recalling the event. “I remember. He was quick on his feet. But still…”
Dante continued, his tone steady. “He’s not just tagging along, Natasha. He’s part of the team. He’s earned his place, and he knows the risks. If I didn’t believe he could handle himself, I wouldn’t let him step outside that gate.”
Natasha glanced at Oliver again, watching as he methodically checked the edge of his spear. “He’s a good kid,” she admitted. “But he’s still a kid.”
Dante smiled faintly. “He is. And that’s why it’s on us to guide him. To make sure he learns and grows without throwing him into the deep end. I won’t put him in a position he can’t handle. But if we shield him from everything, we’re doing him a disservice. This world doesn’t allow for that luxury anymore.”
Natasha sighed, the weight of Dante’s words settling on her. “You really believe in him, don’t you?”
“I do,” Dante said without hesitation. “And I’ll watch his back. Just like I’ll watch yours, Jack’s, and Nir’s. That’s how we survive.”
Natasha met his gaze, seeing the conviction there. After a moment, she relented. “Alright. But promise me—if things get bad out there, you pull him back. No heroics.”
Dante nodded. “You have my word.”
Satisfied, Natasha turned back to the group. Oliver caught her eye and gave her a small, eager smile, unaware of the conversation. Natasha smiled back faintly, her heart still heavy but her trust in Dante steadying her resolve.
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The next morning, as the team prepared to head out, Dante’s words rang in Natasha’s ears. Despite her concerns, she found herself hoping that Oliver would prove her wrong—and that Dante’s faith in him wasn’t misplaced.