"Now, let's leave this forsaken place behind," I declared, pushing open the doors of the old factory. The first rays of dawn greeted us, a stark contrast to the all-night battle we had just endured. It was 7 a.m., a time when most would be just waking up, oblivious to the bizarre and perilous adventures that had unfolded through the night.
"Ahem, would you like a system prompt?" Just as I prepared to join the team in moving forward, I heard a delicate female voice. A system prompt? I whirled around to find Cai Cai, the avatar of the Ascension System, standing right behind me, unnoticed by my teammates.
"No need to be alarmed. Ordinary humans can't see me," Cai Cai said with a giggle, though her expression soon turned serious. "Do you need a system prompt? Just think your response; no need to speak out loud."
"A system prompt? Yes, I indeed need it," I thought, curious about Cai Cai's sudden appearance but recognizing the value of any tips she might offer.
"Hmm, I'm in a good mood today, so I'll give you a free system prompt. It's about your main mission. The Leech Queen is on B9 of this old factory. It's best to confront her now while you have the chance," Cai Cai said cheerfully, winking playfully at me. The Leech Queen in the factory's depths? I couldn't leave just yet.
"What's wrong, Zhang Fan?" Rebecca asked, noticing I hadn't followed the group.
"I have something to take care of. Go ahead without me; I'll catch up soon," I replied, determined to tackle my first main mission, lured by the promise of 3000 game points and a random bronze-level weapon.
"What's going on?" Captain Enrique approached, concerned. I explained that I needed to search the factory alone. Despite offering a rather thin reason for my solo mission, he agreed, trusting me as a teammate.
"Be careful, Zhang Fan. Remember, I promised to bring everyone back alive. And don't forget, someone is waiting for you," he said, patting my shoulder and glancing at the worried Rebecca.
"I'll wait for you to come back," Rebecca said with determination, her eyes burning with a fiery passion. It seemed as if she had made a resolute decision. Wait a minute! I'm not heading to my doom, am I?
"Don't worry, I'll rejoin the team as soon as I'm done here," I reassured her, giving her a thumbs up. Regardless of our budding relationship, I owed it to my concerned teammates to resolve this battle quickly.
Rebecca returned the gesture, her favorite sign of assurance. I knew she believed in me, confident that I would return to her.
"Oh, Rebecca, take these," I said, slipping two pills and two vials into her hand. Seeing her confusion, I quickly explained, "These pills can heal wounds and counteract poison. If anyone gets bitten, they'll prevent T-virus infection. The first aid spray is for external injuries. Use them in emergencies."
Though it cost me 160 game points to procure the healing pills and spray, I didn't mind. It was a necessary expenditure for the team's safety. Little did I know, this gesture would later save the lives of Jill and Tomoyo.
Everyone seemed surprised that I had an antidote for the T-virus, but Rebecca didn't question it. She nodded, carefully stowing the life-saving items and giving me a deep, meaningful look before leaving with the team.
Now alone, I was free to earn points without restraint. After my recent upgrade, I felt a tremendous leap in my physical capabilities, reveling in this superhuman sensation. Even facing a Hunter alone seemed manageable now.
The factory was rife with zombies and bioengineered creatures like mutant toads, bio-spider, and giant insects – a veritable treasure trove for point accumulation. With my Magnum at hand, I effortlessly dispatched these creatures, reveling in the free ammunition and the joy of the hunt.
From the first floor to B9, my game points skyrocketed to 10,775, finally breaking the five-digit barrier. I was no longer impoverished in this game of survival and riches.
However, my triumphs also included the defeat of two mini-bosses – one resembling an early form of Tyrant, towering at three meters with a massive clawed hand. Its formidable strength was no match for my agility and firepower. As for the Leech Man, a well-placed grenade easily took care of it.
As I sat in the corner of the factory, awaiting my team's return, I pondered over the events that had transpired. While we hadn't found the Leech Queen, I had made significant progress. For now, it was time to rest and regroup.