They had been able to traverse a fair bit of the tunnel without any serious attacks. The insectoids would appear for a light skirmish, then disappear. Everyone agreed that they were just testing their abilities, likely for a real attack. But the concerning factor was not encountering any Concordat solders. By now, Veronika felt sure they should’ve popped up on a radar.
[It could possibly be due to the metals on the insectoids’ limbs, which carry traces of conductive materials that can jam certain signals. Although, they have been sporadic in their attacks. I have detected dense pockets in the area, leading up to the main shaft entrance. They could be nests]
Veronika nodded. It made sense. At least for the moment, they could cover some ground undetected. Brayan suggested they pause for a break while they could. They rested in an alcove and took stock of their equipment.
She frowned when she realized she had been struggling for breath and was weak for strength in the previous battles. Her Brush Actualization shields could only block so much until they were shattered. She hadn’t been able to actualize more than the shields.
[I think we need step up your body’s capabilities with training]
“What do you have in mind?”
[When the time is right, I’ll give you tasks to increase your physical and spiritual levels. Failure to complete or comply with the tasks will result in penalties]
System called up some starting physical and spirit energy statistics for Veronika’s body, which represented the Level 0.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
> -Health points: 450/10000
>
> -Spirit points: 250/20000
>
> -Physical strength: 3 stars out of 10 stars
>
> -Mental strength: 0.5 stars out of 10 stars.
>
> -Warrior skill level: useless fodder
“System. How can my mental strength be half a star!” Veronika complained, believing that value to be a gross miscalculation.
But System didn’t elaborate. Veronika couldn’t hold back the terrible feeling she felt running through her body. And the thought of System letting out an evil laugh in her brain.
Brayan got everyone up and moving again.
They had reached the shaft entrance to the main mine tunnel when System ran a suspect scan over the area. So discreet, the others were unaware.
[Veronika. Hang to the back, take a left turn and walk straight ahead. Do not tell the others]
“I have a bad feeling about this.” Veronika groaned as she obeyed. She discreetly gave the others the slip and found herself taking a detour down a rocky side tunnel. At the far end was a utility door, which was barely lit by the bulkhead light above it.
[Scanning…]
Veronika’s eyes lit up with a scan that passed over the door’s code panel. A sequence of numbers flashed through her head until the door opened with a click. She stepped inside and found herself in a dry cave. There was a mighty slam behind her back followed by some electrical sparks. She found herself sealed in. Her heart pounded against her chest when 90 pairs of eyes were staring at her from the cave’s far end. A kinetic barrier covered her face and body to block the carbon monoxide that the resident insectoids were releasing into the air.
[Task: clear all the insectoids in the cave under 10 minutes. The penalty for not completing the task is asphyxiation]
“The hell!”