Waves crashed against the shoreline, splashing against Kyle's face. His eyes opened, his body aching and his head spinning. His health was low, and his body core was barely hanging on. With a groan, he fumbled for a health item, managing to inject it into his arm. Instantly, he felt his strength returning, the pain easing as his health bar slowly filled up.

He pushed himself off the ground, taking in his surroundings. Debris from the passenger transport was scattered across the beach. Panic surged through him as he scanned the area for any sign of Elara, but she was nowhere to be found.

Kyle's gaze shifted upward, and he saw a bright light in the sky—the explosion from Solstice Station still visible. Desperation clawed at him as he activated his watch, scrolling through his friends list. Ryn, Elara, and Jax were all grayed out, their statuses unknown. His heart sank, fear gripping him.

He tapped on Ryn's name, attempting to establish a connection, but the signal was weak and unstable. "Ryn? Ryn, can you hear me?" he called out, his voice trembling with worry. There was no response, just the eerie crackle of static.

Next, he tried Jax. "Jax, it's Kyle. Are you there?" Again, nothing but silence.

Finally, he attempted to reach Elara, but her status remained unchanged. He clenched his fist, frustration and helplessness washing over him. "Fuck," he muttered under his breath, feeling the weight of their separation pressing down on him.

Taking a deep breath, Kyle knew he couldn't afford to stay here. He had to find his friends, figure out what had happened, and regroup. He began to search the wreckage for any supplies that might help him on his journey. He scavenged what he could, finding a few pieces of scrap metal and nothing more.

As he prepared to set off, he noticed a faint trail of footprints leading away from the beach and into the nearby forest. Hope flickered within him—was it Elara? It had to have been. But why would she have left him behind?

Kyle stared at his watch. He had no quest, no friends to contact, and no map of the area he was in. He had been walking for what seemed like hours and still hadn't come across anyone, not a wanderer, traveling merchant, or even a Waste. He leaned against a tree, sliding down until he hit the ground. The hot sun shone through the canopy above, and he could feel the heat intensifying. Sweat poured down his face and through the rips in his clothing that exposed gashes in his torso, making the already uncomfortable situation even worse.

He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts and figure out his next move. The events of the past few days played over and over in his mind: the attack on Yaris, the desperate fight on Solstice Station, the chaotic escape. He wondered where Ryn, Jax, and Elara were, if they were even still alive. The red X over the military personnel's profiles haunted him, a grim reminder of how close he had come to the same fate.

Kyle took a deep breath and opened his eyes, scanning the forest around him. The oppressive silence was unnerving, making every crackle of leaves and distant rustle of branches seem like a potential threat. He forced himself to his feet, knowing that staying in one place wouldn’t help him find his friends or get any closer to figuring out where he was.

"I can't just sit here," he muttered to himself.

He decided to move along the tree line, hoping to find some sign of civilization or at least a clue about his location. His legs ached, and his body felt heavy, but he pushed forward, driven by the thought of Jax.

After what felt like an eternity, Kyle spotted a glimmer of movement in the distance. His heart raced, and he quickened his pace, moving cautiously towards the source. As he got closer, he realized it was a small camp, hidden among the trees. The camp seemed deserted, but it was a sign of life, of hope.

He approached slowly, calling out, "Hello? Is anyone here?"

There was no immediate response, but Kyle could see supplies scattered around the camp. He rummaged through the belongings, hoping to find something useful. He found a small stash of food, a canteen of water, and, most importantly, a map. It wasn’t detailed, but it was better than nothing.

He studied the map, trying to get his bearings, and a noise spooked him. He spun around, hand reaching instinctively for his weapon, only to come face-to-face with a young woman, her eyes wide with surprise and suspicion.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her hand hovering over her own blade.

Kyle raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "I'm Kyle, a Dropper. I got separated from my team after the explosion at Solstice Station. I'm just trying to find my friends and figure out where I am." Word vomit, but he didn’t want her to think he was lying.

The woman studied him for a moment, then nodded. "I'm Mira. This is my camp. If you're looking for other Droppers, you might want to head to the nearest outpost. It's a couple of miles west from here."

Kyle felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thank you, Mira. I owe you one."

She shrugged, a faint smile crossing her lips. "Just be careful. The forest is dangerous, and not just because of the Wastes. There are other threats out here too."

Kyle nodded, gripping the map tightly. "I'll be careful. Thanks again."

He scanned the map, syncing it to his watch. The holographic display on his wrist flickered to life, the map of Abos expanding and revealing previously hidden areas. A dark spot on the map brightened, and he could now see areas that were previously obscured, along with the outpost Mira had mentioned: Outpost Zeta.

A Dropper hideout? Kyle hadn't heard of Dropper outposts before. Typically, Droppers sought refuge in established cities, where resources and safety were more abundant. But out here in the wilds, anything could happen. He marked the spot on his map, and his watch's navigation system locked onto the coordinates, providing him with a clear route to the outpost.

He started his journey and the forest seemed to close in around him. The trees towered overhead, their thick branches forming a canopy that filtered the sunlight into a soft, green glow. The path was uneven and overgrown, making progress slow and difficult. Every so often, Kyle paused to listen to the birds sing..

He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced over his shoulder repeatedly, his hand never straying far from his weapon. The forest was dense, with shadows that seemed to move on their own and the path became faint and winding, making it easy to lose his bearings if he didn't stay focused.

The landscape gradually began to change. The trees became sparser, and the ground turned rocky and uneven. He noticed the remnants of old structures, barely recognizable under the thick growth of vines. This area had once been inhabited, though by whom or what, Kyle couldn't tell. He pressed on, determined to reach the outpost and find out more.

Hours passed, and the sun began to dip below the horizon. Kyle's watch buzzed softly, alerting him that he was getting closer to his destination. He felt a surge of hope—Outpost Zeta was not much further now.

Suddenly, a rustle in the underbrush made him stop in his tracks. He held his breath, straining to hear. There it was again—a faint, shuffling noise, coming from somewhere to his left. Kyle crouched low, moving silently toward the source of the sound. As he peered through the dense foliage, he saw a figure moving slowly, almost cautiously.

Kyle's heart pounded in his chest. He couldn't tell if the figure was friend or foe, but he couldn't afford to take any chances. He moved closer, keeping to the shadows, his weapon at the ready. As he approached, the figure came into clearer view—a person, hunched over. They wore the tattered remnants of a Dropper's uniform, and their movements were slow, as if they were injured or exhausted, or maybe both.

Kyle considered his options. He could try to make contact, but if this was a Rogue Dropper or someone hostile, it could spell trouble. He decided to observe for a moment longer, hoping to determine if the person posed a threat.

The figure suddenly stumbled and fell to the ground, letting out a pained groan. Kyle's instincts took over, and he stepped forward, calling out softly, "Hey, are you okay?"

The person looked up, their face pale and eyes wide with fear and exhaustion. "Help...please," they whispered, their voice barely audible.

Kyle hurried to their side, his caution giving way to concern. He knelt beside the person, offering support. "It's okay, I've got you," he said, helping them to sit up. "What's your name?"

The person took a shaky breath. "Aiden...I'm Aiden," they replied, wincing in pain.

Kyle nodded, his mind racing. "Alright, Aiden. Let's get you somewhere safe. Can you walk?"

Aiden shook his head weakly. "I don't think so... I'm too weak."

Kyle frowned, realizing he would need to find a way to get Aiden to safety without drawing attention from any potential threats lurking in the forest. "Hang in there," he said, his voice firm. "We'll get through this together."

With Aiden leaning heavily on him, Kyle began to make his way cautiously, hoping to reach Outpost Zeta before nightfall.

The two stopped for a few minutes to catch their breaths. Aiden leaned heavily against a tree, his face pale and his breathing labored. Kyle rummaged through his inventory, but his heart sank when he realized he didn't have anything left to help Aiden. He had used the last of his Health Cores back on the shore.

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Kyle forced a reassuring smile, trying to keep his own worry at bay. "Hang in there, Aiden. We're almost to the outpost. There might be some medical supplies there."

Aiden nodded weakly, his eyes half-closed with exhaustion. "I hope so," he muttered. "I don't think I can go much further."

Kyle knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "We'll make it," he said firmly. "Just a little further. Can you walk, or do you need to rest a bit longer?"

Aiden took a deep breath and pushed himself away from the tree, wobbling slightly before finding his balance. "I can walk," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Kyle helped him to his feet, and they resumed their journey. The area was eerily quiet, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves underfoot and the distant calls of nocturnal creatures beginning to stir. The sun had almost completely set, casting long shadows that danced menacingly among the trees.

Despite his own fatigue, Kyle stayed on high alert. Every step felt like too much of an effort, but he kept moving, driven by the need to get Aiden to safety.

Kyle could make out the faint outlines of structures in the distance. His heart leaped with hope. "I think I see the outpost," he said, giving Aiden a gentle nudge.

Aiden looked up, his eyes brightening slightly. "Thank god," he whispered.

They pushed forward with renewed determination, the sight of the outpost spurring them on. The structures became clearer as they approached—a collection of weathered buildings surrounded by a makeshift fence. It was clearly an old Dropper outpost, long abandoned but still standing.

They reached the entrance, and Kyle hesitated for a moment, scanning the area for any signs of life. It appeared deserted, but they couldn't afford to be careless. He helped Aiden through the gate and into the main courtyard, where they collapsed onto a bench, both of them gasping for breath.

Kyle quickly stood and began to explore the nearest building, hoping to find something—anything—that could help Aiden. The interior was dusty and cluttered, but he spotted a first aid kit mounted on the wall. He grabbed it and rushed back to Aiden, his hands trembling with urgency.

"Found something," he said, opening the kit and pulling out a small vial of Health Serum. He injected it into Aiden's arm, watching as the color slowly returned to his face.

Aiden let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you," he said, his voice stronger now.

Kyle nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. "Just rest for a bit," he said. "We made it."

Aiden leaned back, closing his eyes. "I owe you one, Kyle."

"Don't mention it," Kyle replied, glancing around the outpost. They were safe for now.

As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, Kyle leaned back against the bench, feeling the weight of the day settle over him and in a matter of minutes, his eyes became heavy and he drifted off to sleep.

The next morning came, and Kyle leaped up from his sleep, alert and on edge. A figure crossing the fence came into view, moving with a deliberate and menacing stride. Kyle's watch flashed a warning, and as he scanned the intruder, a red outline highlighted her figure. A Rogue Dropper.

Kyle’s heart raced. He grabbed his carabiner, and with a quick flick of his wrist, it transformed into his sword. The metallic ring of the blade filled the air, breaking the stillness of the morning.

The woman stopped a few paces away, a smirk playing on her lips. She was tall, her dark hair pulled back in a tight ponytail, and her eyes glinted with a cold, calculating malice. "You're not even an Assault Force Dropper," she said, her voice dripping with condescension.

Kyle squared his shoulders, gripping his sword tightly. "I still know how to fight," he replied, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

Behind him, Aiden stirred and stood, his eyes wide with fear and confusion. He had no weapons, nothing to defend himself with. Kyle glanced over his shoulder, motioning for Aiden to get inside the building. "Go, Aiden. I'll take care of this."

Aiden hesitated, his gaze flicking between Kyle and the Rogue Dropper. "But—"

"Now!" Kyle's tone left no room for argument.

Aiden nodded reluctantly, retreating into the building and shutting the door behind him. Kyle heard the faint click of the lock and allowed himself a moment of relief. Aiden was safe, at least for now.

The Rogue Dropper's laughter echoed through the courtyard, snapping Kyle's attention back to her. "How noble," she sneered. "But noble won't save you."

Kyle raised his sword, his eyes locking onto hers. "Let's find out."

The air between them crackled with tension as they squared off, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

The woman yanked off her gold choker necklace, which quickly transformed into a sleek, humming sword glowing bright orange. The weapon buzzed with energy, illuminating the menace in her eyes. Kyle tightened his grip on his sword, feeling the weight and balance, readying himself for the impending clash.

Kyle raised his sword defensively, his voice calm but firm. "You don't have to do this. You can turn back now."

She laughed, a harsh, mocking sound that echoed through the courtyard. "This is the shit I do," she said with a smirk. "I'm here to get to the top any way I can."

Without warning, she leaped forward, her sword aimed straight for Kyle's chest. He barely had time to react, raising his own sword to block her attack. The clash of their blades sent a shower of sparks flying around them, determination etched on Kyle's face.

The Rogue Dropper pressed her advantage, her strikes fast and relentless. Kyle was on the defensive, parrying her blows with practiced skill. He could feel the force of her attacks reverberating up his arms, each clash of metal a test of his endurance. She was faster, more experienced, but Kyle had grown as a fighter, and he was determined not to back down.

He sidestepped a particularly vicious swipe, using the momentum to swing his sword in a wide arc. She dodged, but Kyle continued his attack, forcing her to retreat a few steps. His movements were fluid, a testament to the hours of training he had endured, even if he wasn't an elite Dropper.

"You're not bad," she taunted, her eyes gleaming with a predatory light. "But not good enough."

She lunged again, her sword a blur of orange light. Kyle met her head-on, their swords locking in a deadlock. He gritted his teeth, pushing against her with all his strength. She leaned in closer, her breath hot against his face. "Give up," she hissed.

Kyle's eyes narrowed. "Not a chance."

With a sudden burst of energy, he broke the deadlock, forcing her back. He followed up with a series of quick, precise strikes, each one aimed to push her further off balance. She blocked most of them, but he could see the surprise flicker in her eyes. He was holding his own.

He ducked under a wild swing, rolling forward and coming up behind her. He swung his sword in a low arc, catching her off guard and slicing a shallow gash across her leg.

She hissed in pain, stumbling back and glaring at him with fury. "You little shit!"

She retaliated with a flurry of blows. Kyle blocked and parried, his arms aching with the effort. He knew he couldn't keep this up forever. He needed to end this, and soon.

Summoning the last of his strength, Kyle launched himself into a desperate, all-out assault. He swung his sword with everything he had, each strike aimed to disarm or disable her. She was quick, but Kyle was relentless. He ducked under another swipe, his sword coming up in a powerful uppercut that caught her off guard.

Her sword flew from her hand, clattering to the ground a few feet away. She staggered back, clutching her side where Kyle's blade had found its mark. Blood oozed between her fingers, and for the first time, fear flickered in her eyes.

Kyle stood his ground, breathing hard but steady. "It's over," he said, his voice firm.

But she wasn't done yet. With a feral scream, she lunged for her fallen weapon. Kyle moved faster, kicking it out of reach and leveling his sword at her chest. She froze, the realization of her defeat sinking in.

"I said it's over," he repeated, more softly this time. "You don't have to die here."

She glared at him, her breaths heavy. For a moment, it seemed like she might attack again, but then she slumped to her knees, the fight draining out of her. The glow of her necklace-sword faded, the orange light dimming to nothing.

Kyle lowered his sword, stepping back. The battle was over, and he had won. He took a deep breath, the tension slowly ebbing away. As Kyle turned to walk away, he heard a sudden movement behind him. Instinctively, he spun around just in time to see the Rogue Dropper springing to her feet, her face twisted with desperation. With a roar, she lunged at him one last time, her fists raised, aiming for his head.

Kyle reacted quickly, his training kicking in. He raised his sword to block her attack, the force of the impact sending a jolt through his arms. In one fluid motion, he sidestepped and swung his blade, the edge cutting through the air with a sharp hiss. His sword sliced into her chest.

She staggered back, clutching at the wound, her eyes wide with shock and pain. Kyle looked at her, his expression filled with sorrow. "It didn't have to be like this," he said softly.

The Rogue Dropper collapsed to the ground, her body devirtualizing into a cascade of pixels that floated upward like dust motes caught in a beam of light. Despite her in-game body remaining sprawled out on the ground, Kyle knew she was out of the fight for now, her presence merely a remnant of her virtual form.

Kyle sheathed his sword and knelt down beside her, quickly rummaging through her inventory. His fingers deftly searched through her belongings, pulling out health items, her humming orange sword—which he intended to give to Aiden—and a fusion core. He pocketed the items, feeling a sense of satisfaction that her equipment would now aid their cause.

Standing up, Kyle cast one last look at the fallen Rogue Dropper before heading back into the building where Aiden waited. The interior was filled with an array of technology, sleek and advanced, the walls lined with dormant screens and consoles. On the back wall, a large monitor hung dark and silent, an imposing presence in the room.

Kyle moved purposefully, his eyes scanning the equipment. "We need to get this place operational," he muttered to himself. After a few moments of searching, he found the reactor core slot, a small but vital component that powered the entire facility. He pulled the fusion core from his inventory, its surface gleaming with an otherworldly light, and carefully inserted it into the slot.

The room hummed to life, a soft vibration spreading through the floor as the machinery awakened. Lights flickered on, and the monitor on the back wall flared to life, displaying a map of the surrounding area. Kyle turned to Aiden, who watched in awe as the room transformed around them.

Kyle handed the sword to Aiden, the blade still glowing faintly with its orange light. "Here," he said. "Take this. You can find an armorer in the next town to change it from a necklace to something more practical."

Aiden accepted the weapon, nodding gratefully. "Thanks, Kyle. I owe you for sure."

Kyle smiled, clapping Aiden on the shoulder. "We stick together. That's how we survive."

As they turned their attention to the monitor, the screen shifted, displaying a detailed image of the city of Nyon. The map was intricate, showing various landmarks and points of interest, a web of information that promised to be invaluable.

"This is it," Kyle said, pointing to the screen. "Nyon. It's a city, and it looks like it's not too far from here. We should head there.”

Aiden nodded, his eyes fixed on the map. "Yeah, let's do it."

They spent a few more minutes exploring the room, gathering any useful items and information. The hum of the machinery was a comforting sound, a reminder that they had a plan and a direction.