Arjun stood on the edge of a collapsed building, overlooking the ruined streets below.
Fires spread across multiple blocks.
Smoke covered the sky.
And everywhere—
Monsters.
Dozens of them roamed the streets.
Some smaller.
Some larger.
All deadly.
But Arjun's focus wasn't on them.
It was on the message floating in front of his eyes.
[Sector 17 Secured]
Reward Available: Authorization Level 1
Arjun frowned.
"Authorization Level… what exactly is that?"
The system responded immediately.
[Authorization Level determines access to advanced system functions.]
A new interface appeared.
Authorization Upgrade Available
Level 0 → Level 1
Unlocks:
Equipment Expansion
Tactical Interface
Resource Detection
Arjun's eyes sharpened.
"Now that sounds useful."
He selected UPGRADE.
For a moment—
Everything froze.
Then a wave of data flooded into his mind.
Maps.
Signals.
Energy readings.
Movement patterns.
It was overwhelming.
Arjun grabbed his head.
"…Too much…"
The system stabilized the input.
[Integration Complete]
His vision changed.
The world looked the same—
But information layered over everything.
Buildings now displayed structural integrity.
The streets showed movement paths.
And most importantly—
New signals appeared.
Small glowing markers scattered across the map.
[Resource Points Detected]
Arjun focused.
"What are those?"
[Ancient supply caches. Contains usable equipment and technology.]
A slow smile formed on his face.
"So I don't just fight… I upgrade."
The drone hovered beside him.
[Nearest resource point: 230 meters]
Arjun nodded.
"Good. Let's move."
He jumped down from the building.
The combat suit absorbed the impact smoothly.
He moved quickly through the street.
This time—
He avoided unnecessary fights.
Monsters still roamed nearby, but Arjun moved around them.
Silent.
Efficient.
Within seconds, he reached the marked location.
A collapsed structure blocked the entrance.
Arjun pushed aside the debris.
Underneath—
A metal container.
Intact.
Covered in strange markings.
[Supply Cache Detected]
Arjun crouched beside it.
"Let's see what we got."
The container opened automatically.
Inside—
Three items.
Items Acquired
Energy Cell (High Capacity)
Combat Module — Speed Boost
Drone Upgrade Chip
Arjun picked up the energy cell.
The system immediately responded.
[Energy capacity increased by 40%]
"Nice."
He then looked at the second item.
"Speed Boost module…"
[Install module?]
"Do it."
The combat suit reacted instantly.
A soft pulse of energy ran through his legs.
[Speed increased by 25%]
Arjun moved slightly.
The difference was immediate.
"Much better."
Finally, he turned to the drone upgrade chip.
[Upgrade drone?]
"Yes."
The chip dissolved into light and merged into the drone.
Its design shifted slightly.
Sharper.
More advanced.
[Drone Upgrade Complete]
New Function: Threat Prediction
Arjun raised an eyebrow.
"Prediction?"
The drone spoke.
[Ability to detect incoming high-threat attacks before execution.]
Arjun smiled.
"Now that's useful."
But before he could say anything else—
The system flashed red.
[WARNING]
Elite Unit approaching current location.
Distance: 600 meters
Arjun's expression hardened.
"…That thing again."
The drone immediately projected a path.
[Recommended action: relocate]
Arjun looked toward the direction of the approaching signal.
Even from this distance—
He could feel it.
That same pressure.
Heavy.
Dangerous.
"This isn't like the others…"
The system responded.
[Elite Units operate as commanders of invasion waves.]
Arjun's eyes narrowed.
"So they're not just stronger…"
"…they lead."
The red marker moved closer.
500 meters.
Fast.
Very fast.
Arjun exhaled slowly.
"Running again won't solve this forever."
He checked his interface.
New stats.
More energy.
Better mobility.
Drone upgrade.
"…I'm stronger than before."
The drone spoke again.
[Survival probability if engaged: 21%]
Arjun smirked.
"Still low."
But higher than before.
He turned and began moving—
But not running away.
He moved toward a narrow street.
Between buildings.
A controlled environment.
A place where size wouldn't matter as much.
"…If I fight it…"
"…I do it on my terms."
The red marker stopped.
Then—
Changed direction.
Heading straight for him.
Arjun took a deep breath.
"Good."
He raised the plasma rifle.
Energy charged along the barrel.
The drone hovered beside him, scanning intensely.
The air grew heavier.
The ground trembled.
And then—
At the end of the street—
A figure appeared.
The Elite Unit.
Its glowing eyes locked onto him instantly.
Arjun steadied his stance.
"…Round two."
The system remained silent.
But this time—
Arjun didn't feel overwhelmed.
He felt ready.
Or at least—
Less unprepared.
The Elite Unit took one step forward.
And the street trembled.