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[Main Quest]
(Synopsis): Veras Research Facility was once a base full of passion and learning that drives the advancement of humanity for a better tomorrow. However, the researchers have forgotten their purpose and forgo their noble aspirations in the pursuit of greed and wealth. The sins and evils committed within is enough to make one's heart go cold. Even if Host cannot destroy the research facility, Host must not let them continue exploiting your blood!
(Objective): Escape from Veras Island.
(Completion Reward): One of Host's hidden abilities will be unlocked randomly.
System Remarks: The path ahead is fraught with dangers, but only Host can find the possible within the impossible. Soldier on, Host!
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Albion blinked at the details of the main quest. Was the issue of a quest related to his intention?
Moving down to complete reward, the phrase 'hidden abilities will be unlocked' especially caught his interest. Would he become an awakened human once the ability is unlocked? If so, he would be eligible to become a Hunter by taking the Hunter's Exams and join the Hunter's Association.
He had to consider that once he successfully escapes Veras Island, he would be wanted by the government. If he doesn't find himself safe refuge or strong backing, he would eventually be caught even if he makes it to Haven City. The Hunter's Association should be able to provide him both.
While it was true that Haven City is managed by the government. The true rulers of Haven City belong to the Hunters. Although order still exists within the walls of the city, the world has become a place operated by the law of the jungle. Whether it is the past or present, strength had always reigned supreme regardless of its form.
Albion soon shook his head. He was getting too far ahead of himself. The prerequisite for his plans to proceed smoothly was that he had to be able to escape Veras Island alive first.
Although Veras Island was an offshore island of Haven City, the city of the Sea Emperor, there was still a rough 3km stretch of water between the island and coast of Haven City. The dangers in the water were far greater than that on land and cannot simply be ignored.
His body was already weak and anemic from all the constant blood drain. Forget about whether he could swim to the other shore, it was still questionable whether the sea monsters in the waters would leave him be.
But in truth, Albion knew that the sea monsters would see him as a snack and prey on him the moment they lay eyes on him. They might not even spit his bones back out after they're done. It would be a grotesque way to die.
As such swimming was off-limits. What are his other escape options? Hijacking an aircraft or sneaking into one of the transport ships?
Albion frowned in thought. Both options weren't great either. One was high-profile and attracts too much attention, while the other one puts him too close to government personnel. Both put him at a high risk of being caught, but he doesn't have any other viable options either. He can only start brainstorming his advantages.
"Currently, my greatest advantage is my understanding of both the facility and island, plus my degree of freedom permitted by my 'absolute obedience'. The whitecoats don't know that I have recovered my memories and have the intention to escape. They believe I would still obey their orders with no questions asked. I can use that to my advantage." Albion ruminated.
"I should continue to feign obedience while I map out my escape route," Albion concluded and proceeded down the list in his mind.
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[Side Quest]
(Synopsis): The system is a profound existence that transcended both planes and knowledge. It's not easy to find a compatible host, nor is it easy to gain the Host's trust upon the first meeting. In order to remedy this, a welcome gift is a must. However, there is no free lunch in the world. Host will still have to work for it!
(Objective): Complete 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, run 1km.
(Complete Reward): Host's weakened state will be restored to normal values.
System Remarks: What are you waiting for? Start moving!
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Albion's lips twitched furiously. Forget about 10 push-ups, even doing 1 push-up was already difficult for him. This might have been a challenge for him when he was still struggling back in the slums even if the difficulty was increased by 10-fold.
However, the years of experimentation and exploitation have left him severely weakened. Even his regenerative prowess cannot remove the scars it left behind.
'Fuck it. Why should do as the system say just because it says so?' Albion thought.
Ding!
[System Notification: The system is here to aid the host in surviving the cruelty of the world, but the system can only help those who help themselves. Host can choose not to complete the side quests the system issues, but the difficulty of escaping will be much greater.]
'Help those who help themselves.'
Hearing this, Albion was slightly moved. The system did not seem all that bad and can even say some encouraging words. He had not given up on life yet.
'Fuck it. I'll just treat it as exercising my shriveled muscles.' Albion thought as he dropped down on all four limbs. Determination flickered in his eyes and his heart was steeled with resolution before attempting his first push-up.
As he pushed against the floor, his arms shook, and his body trembled. His face flushed with shortness of breath as he struggled valiantly with his first push-up. Time passed by in the tens of seconds before his arms protruded proudly and his sights were set forward.
Albion issued a roar of achievement, whilst his back was… bent like an arc.
System: "…"
Ding!
[System Notification: (Push-up Completion): 1/10, (Sit-up Completion): 0/10, (Distance completion): 0.0km/1km]
Although his form was terrible, a push-up was still a push-up. Even the System Notification deemed as such. The system was speechless with nothing to say.
After completing the first push-up, Leon collapsed and sprawled on the floor, sapped of all his strength. It was impossible for him to continue.
…
Ding!
[System Notification: The system would like to remind that the Host does not have all day. The power surge had sent the facility into disarray, but everything will return to normal shortly. Someone will definitely come to check on the host.]
'Then let them come check on him.'
Albion rolled his eyes. Even if he wants to continue, his body was screaming, "No!" Besides, he just recently had his blood drained. The whitecoats only take his blood every two weeks periodically. There were another 12 days until the next session.
However, at this rate, even if he does have 12 days, he might be able to complete such a simple exercise with his weakened body. He had to start thinking of alternative methods.