It’s been a couple of days since Aubrey had left me alone in the safe house, saying she needed to find some basic equipment for me. I was getting antsy, wondering what was taking her so long. I tried to pass the time by exploring the safe house, but there was only so much you could see in a relatively small place. It wasn't long before I heard the sound of the front door opening, and Aubrey's familiar voice called out to me.
"Yo, ho, ho! Merry Christmas! Santa Aubrey’s got some gear for you."
I practically leaped off the couch, the sound of her voice instantly lifting my spirits. I hurried over to her, eager to see what she'd brought back. She was carrying a large bag filled with what looked like a stash full of gear. I couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the sight.
"Wow, you found all this?" I asked, my eyes wide as I took in the assortment of items.
Aubrey grinned, dropping the bag on the floor with a loud thud. "Yeah, it took me a while, but I managed to scavenge some decent stuff from those pesky SCAVs."
I raised an eyebrow, curious. "You killed SCAVs for all this?"
She shrugged, as if it was no big deal. "SCAVs are usually pretty good at carrying loot, and I figured you could use some actual gear. Plus, I needed to do a bit of exercise."
I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy at the thought of her killing SCAVs, but I reminded myself that this was a survival situation, and she’s survived for years already. "Well, thanks for getting all this for me."
"No problem," she replied with a casual wave of her hand. "Now, let's get you suited up."
For the next several minutes, Aubrey laid out each piece of gear one by one, explaining what they were and how to use them. There was a set of techwear clothing that was supposed to be both comfortable and durable, a vest for extra protection, a submachine gun with six magazines, a baton for close-quarters combat, a backpack to hold my supplies, and some other miscellaneous trinkets that she said would come in handy.
I was feeling a mix of gratitude and anxiety as I looked over the pile of gear. It was a stark reminder of just how dangerous this world could be, but at least I'd have a fighting chance now.
"So, what do you think?" Aubrey asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
I let out a breath, running my fingers through my hair. "I think it's a lot to take in, but I appreciate everything you've done for me, Aubrey."
She smiled, looking pleased. "Great! Now, let's get you dressed and start practicing."
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As Aubrey handed me each piece of gear, I couldn't help but feel a bit like a kid on Christmas morning, excitedly unwrapping presents. The techwear was a sleek, black material that felt lightweight but durable. It was unlike any clothing I'd ever worn before, and I was impressed by how it seemed to mold to my body. The vest, on the other hand, was a bit bulkier but still surprisingly comfortable.
The SMG was a compact, lightweight weapon that felt surprisingly good in my hands. I'd never been much of a gun enthusiast, but I had to admit that this one looked pretty cool. The magazines were a bit heavier than I expected, but I figured I'd get used to the weight after a while.
The baton, though, was something else. It was collapsible, extending with just a flick of the wrist. I had never used a weapon like this before, but I was eager to learn. The backpack was sturdy, with plenty of compartments for storage, and the various trinkets Aubrey had found for me seemed like they'd be useful in various situations.
I took my time suiting up, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. It was a strange sensation, like I was becoming someone else entirely. Once I had everything on, I stood up and took a look at myself in the mirror. The reflection staring back at me was like a stranger, dressed in high-tech gear and ready for battle. I hardly recognized myself.
Aubrey came to check on me and must have noticed the expression on my face because she let out a small chuckle. "You look like a badass, Connor."
I raised an eyebrow, smirking back at her. "You think so?"
She nodded, grinning. "Absolutely. Now you just need to learn how to use all that gear."
I couldn't help but laugh, the nerves I'd been feeling momentarily forgotten. "Yeah, I guess that's the hard part, huh?"
Aubrey's smile softened, and she placed a hand on my shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll teach you everything you need to know."
Her reassurance meant more to me than I could put into words. I felt a renewed determination surge through me. "Thanks, Aubrey. I won't let you down."
She gave my shoulder a squeeze, her eyes shining with confidence. "I know you won't."
With that, we began the process of getting me familiar with my new gear. I practiced extending and retracting the baton, getting a feel for the weight and balance. I loaded and unloaded the SMG, my fingers fumbling at first but growing more dexterous with each repetition.
Aubrey patiently guided me through each step, offering words of encouragement and the occasional teasing remark.
“Alright, let’s go over the stats on your gear,” she said. “Turn on your Interface.”
The HUD of my Interface came to life. As I mentally scrolled down my equipment list, their stats popped into view.
Name Infused Submachine Gun Grade Uncommon Damage 15 (single shot), 30 to 50 (Short Burst); Kinetic Range 180 meters Ammo 50 (Single Shot) or 5 (Short Burst) Stat Bonus +2 AGI Modifiers +2 bonus to Ranged Damage (Electromagnetic) Effects None
Name Static Baton Grade Uncommon Damage 9; Kinetic Stat Bonus +2 STR Modifiers +2 bonus to Melee Damage (Electromagnetic) Effects None
Name Techwear of the Silent Stalker Grade Uncommon Defense Bonus +3 Damage Reduction 3; All Energy and Kinetic Stat Bonus +3 AGI Modifiers +2 bonus to Stealth Effects None
Name Reinforced Scavenger's Vest Grade Uncommon Defense Bonus +5 Damage Reduction 5; Kinetic Stat Bonus +2 END Modifiers +2 bonus to Larceny Effects None
“Woah….um, wow. I’m seeing ‘em,” I replied. "They're definitely enchanted."
She reviewed what each stat, bonus, and modifier meant—all the RPG jargon. A lot of it seemed intuitive, but it was still hard to conceptualize all those values.
“Okay,” she continued. “So, basically all enchanted gear have a grade associated with them. The ones you’re wearing are uncommon quality, which is basically the lowest tier.”
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“So, newbie gear.”
“Yup. The most important thing to do is to attune to all the enchanted gear you’re wearing, otherwise, you won’t get their bonuses. Try attuning to them now.”
I focused my will on the gun, feeling a faint spark of energy between us. My MUD flickered to life and displayed: +2 Agility, +2 bonus to Ranged Damage (Electromagnetic). Attunement success.
Next, the Static Baton. I gripped it tightly, feeling the slight hum of the electrified tip. As I concentrated on the connection, a jolt traveled up my arm. My HUD flashed: +2 STR, +2 bonus to Melee Damage (Electromagnetic). Another attunement in the bag.
I attuned the rest of the gear in a similar way before finally looking at my updated Status screen.
Name Connor Gallagher WID x0byj73pw95 Age 32 Class Kineticist Specialization Umbrakinesis Rank Neophyte I Experience 0/2000
Health 235 ⇧ Mana 230
Strength 24 ⇧ Intelligence 22 Charisma 20 Agility 26 ⇧ Perception 19 Manipulation 14 Endurance 23 ⇧ Resilience 24 Wits 18
Psionic Attack 20 Psionic Defense 23 Melee Attack 25 ⇧ Ranged Attack 22 ⇧ Base Defense 24 ⇧ (32) ⇧ Block 22 ⇧ Evasion 22 ⇧
Attunement Slots Remaining 4
Equipment Techwear of the Silent Stalker ✦ Reinforced Scavenger's Vest ✦
Weapons Infused Submachine Gun ✦ Static Baton ✦
"Okay, it looks like I'm all attuned."
Aubrey nodded and started to head outside. "Great. We're burning daylight so let's get started on some drills."
"Sir, yes, sir—er, Ma'am...whatever, I'm coming."
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Under Aubrey's watchful eye, I started practicing basic movement drills. She had me crouch and shuffle from side to side, keeping a low profile as I moved. It felt a little awkward at first, but I soon found my rhythm. Next, she had me practice a tactical roll, moving quickly and gracefully to avoid enemy fire. It took me a few tries to get the hang of it, but eventually, I was rolling with the best of them.
As I went through the drills, memories of my time in basic training came flooding back. It had been a long time since I'd done anything like this, and my body protested at the sudden change in activity. But it also felt good, in a way. I was reminded of the camaraderie and teamwork that I'd experienced in the military, and I hoped that I'd find something similar here in Nexus.
With the movement exercises out of the way, Aubrey handed me the SMG. She showed me how to properly hold the weapon, making sure I had a firm grip and was aiming it in a safe direction. Then she set up some makeshift targets for me to practice on.
I raised the gun, took aim, and fired. The sound was deafening, and I flinched at the unexpected noise. But my aim was true, and the target was hit dead center.
Aubrey grinned at me, clearly impressed. "Not bad, Connor. Not bad at all."
I tried to hide my pride, but I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face. "Thanks. It's been a while since I've done any shooting, but I guess it's like riding a bike."
She nodded in agreement. "Once you've got the basics down, it's just a matter of practice."
We spent the next hour or so working on my aim and shooting technique. Aubrey gave me pointers on how to control my breathing, steady my hands, and focus on my target. She also showed me how to reload quickly and efficiently, which would be crucial in the heat of battle.
By the end of the session, I was feeling more confident than ever. My shots were consistent, and I was getting better at anticipating and compensating for the weapon's recoil. I knew I still had a lot to learn, but I felt like I was making progress.
Aubrey seemed pleased with my improvement as well. "You're doing great, Connor. Keep this up, and you'll be just as good as someone who's survived for months out here."
I couldn't help but grin at her words. "I'll do my best."
As the sun began to set, we decided to call it a day. My muscles ached from the unfamiliar exertion, but it was a good kind of pain. I knew I was getting stronger, and that knowledge buoyed my spirits.
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Exhausted but satisfied from our training session, Aubrey and I settled down in the safe house to have dinner. She'd brought back some MREs – Meals Ready to Eat – from her last supply run. They weren't exactly gourmet cuisine, but they were designed to be filling and provide all the necessary nutrients.
As we tore into the MREs, Aubrey looked over at me. "You did really well today, Connor. I'm impressed."
"Thanks," I replied, my cheeks heating up a bit from her praise. "I couldn't have done it without your guidance."
She waved off my compliment with a casual flick of her wrist. "You're a quick learner. That's going to be really important here."
We continued to eat in companionable silence for a few moments before Aubrey spoke up again. "I've been thinking about your live training. In a couple of days, I'll take you out to face some low-level Riftspawn and SCAVs. You need to get a feel for real combat situations."
I nodded, my stomach twisting a bit at the thought of facing actual enemies. "I'll be ready."
Aubrey gave me a reassuring smile. "I know you will be. Just remember everything I've taught you, and trust your instincts. You've got this."
We finished our meal and began cleaning up. The sun had fully set by now, and the safe house was lit by the soft glow of battery-powered lanterns. It was peaceful, a stark contrast to the chaos of the world outside.
As we sat there, I felt a sudden urge to learn more about Aubrey. I knew she was a skilled fighter and a survivor, but there was so much more to her than that. I wanted to understand the person behind the badass exterior.
"So," I began hesitantly, "what do you usually do for fun around here? When you’re not busy scavenging and killing monsters, I mean."
Aubrey's eyes flickered with surprise, but she answered without hesitation. "I practice singing all of my favorite songs.”
“K-Pop songs?” I asked.
“Not just those. I know a lot of good songs, okay?”
I leaned forward and smiled in anticipation. “Can you sing one right now? Maybe I’ll recognize it.”
“I don’t think you know any of the songs that I know, old man.”
Jesus merciful Christ, this girl…
“I’m thirty-two.” I made sure to slowly mouth each word. “Thirty…two. I’m not old. I’m still in the prime of my youth, okay? Do I have to shave my beard to prove it?!”
Aubrey erupted into giggles. “Okay, okay. Didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. My bad.”
I leaned back on the couch and scrunched my face into a pout. “Make up for it by singing a song to cheer me up.”
She shook her head and shrugged. “Sorry, no can do. I only sing when I’m alone. I’m a shy person.”
“Bullshit. You’re trying to convince me that a badass veteran of this hellhole is too shy to sing in front of one ol’ guy?”
“Oh, so you’re admitting that you’re old then?”
I facepalmed. “Damn it! No, ignore that. Come on, just one song?”
Aubrey looked at the ceiling and squinted her eyes in thought. “Mmm. How about this, once you managed to rank up to Neophyte II, then I’ll think about singing for you.”
I gave her the best puppy-dog eyes I could muster. “Promise?”
She sighed. “Okay, okay. Promise.”
As we sat in the dimly lit room, our laughter and conversation filled the air. For a brief moment, I thought I was back home...on my run-in-the-mill Earth. Then I realized I had to actually shoot at things that were going to try and kill me tomorrow.
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[https://i.ibb.co/vHcjx9D/Connor-v2.png] [https://i.ibb.co/tXjQ2LD/Connor-v1.png]