[Kugas's bloated head was utterly consumed by the horrific explosion of the thermal bomb.]
[From deep within its maggot-ridden throat, a resentful wail escaped as its soul departed for the garden.]
[Your entire body was incinerated by the intense blast and flames, leaving only a wisp of ashes.]
[You have died.]
[Simulation complete. Duration: 49 days.]
[The following options are available for retention:]
[Option 1: Leman Russ Tank Driver's Manual (Complete)]
Annotation: "Brakes? Who needs them? All you need is the gas pedal!"
[Option 2: Mathieu's Servo Skull (Relic)]
Annotation: "This is the only relic of the War Apostle. Please treat her well."
[Option 3: Precision Bolter Mk IV (Sacred Weapon)]
Annotation: "This weapon embodies the Emperor's fury and serves as a reward from the Emperor for destroying Nurgle's Plague."
[Simulation exceeded 24 hours, simulator wear has not been waived.]
[Cooldown time: 49 hours.]
[Available cooldown time: 289 hours]
[Would you like to consume cooldown time?]
[Cooldown not consumed; the simulator will enter natural cooldown (may be bypassed at any time).]
The simulation promptly concluded.
The reward options appeared before Zaire.
The moment he saw the Bolter Gun among the options, a bright smile crept onto his lips.
"Haha, it's finally here!"
In his excitement, Zaire seemingly forgot about the flying vehicle he had been eagerly desiring.
But now, he had no mind for the other choices.
Without hesitation, he chose the Precision Bolter!
In an instant, a cold, metallic Bolter materialized in Zaire's hands.
Even in comparison to Zaire's towering physique, the Bolter looked enormous.
"Hehe…"
In that moment, a beaming Zaire carefully examined the hefty Precision Bolter, a look of obsession instinctively appearing on his face.
Taking a deep breath, he cradled the Bolter and rushed from the resting room to the shooting range in the base.
Boom—
With a solemn expression, Zaire took another deep breath.
He spread his feet, grounding himself, and tensed every muscle in his body.
The Bolter's notorious recoil was almost legendary.
Aside from those tailored for common soldiers, most Bolters were daily weapons for the Astartes.
Prepared, Zaire gently pulled the trigger.
Boom—
A powerful shockwave erupted from the Bolter's barrel, forcing Zaire back a step!
At the same time, a tall dummy made of scrap materials by David the Iron Golem burst into pieces.
Fragments scattered everywhere!
"Woo-hoo—"
Face flushed, Zaire couldn't hold back a shout of pure exhilaration.
Even as his arms ached, the pain was absolutely worth it.
This was a damn Bolter—
Overjoyed, Zaire raised the Bolter, laughing ecstatically.
"Hahaha…"
But testing the Bolter's power came with a cost.
True to its Astartes design, the recoil from just one shot left radial bruises along one side of Zaire's arm.
"Seems I'll need battle armor just to use it… and I shouldn't even consider rapid-fire mode; the recoil would shatter my arms…"
He muttered to himself.
Exhaling slowly, he blew on his bruised arm.
Without force-feedback power armor or completing the Astartes surgery, using the Bolter as he pleased was still out of reach.
But Zaire wasn't greedy.
The Bolter and chainsword only fulfilled a fraction of his modest ambitions…
Before long, content, Zaire stored the Bolter in the equipment room with his other gear.
Then, he left the base and headed home.
Minutes later.
Humming a tune, Zaire entered the front door.
He spotted his aunt, freshly off work, chatting on the sofa.
Zaire flashed a smile and greeted her, then quickly walked through the living room to his bedroom.
Just as he considered unwinding with a new movie, a visibly downcast Auntie knocked on his open door.
Lying on his bed, Zaire tossed his phone aside, propping himself on an elbow.
"What's up, Auntie? Something happen?"
"Sigh…"
His aunt shook her head, sighing.
"I was just thinking how unpredictable life can be… I just heard from a friend that an old acquaintance passed away in an accident."
Zaire nodded.
With a touch of formality, he consoled his aunt.
"Maybe that's just life…"
"You've eaten fewer meals than the salt I've eaten… talking about life, huh?"
She gave him an exasperated look.
About to leave, she paused, remembering something, and turned.
"I nearly forgot—Big Mike's deceased brother's funeral, delayed for over a month, has a set date. You're not going anywhere tomorrow; you're coming with me to the service, understand?"
"Ah… As you wish, Ma'am!"
With a sigh, Zaire agreed.
Collapsing onto his bed, the frame let out a faint creak.
His aunt's murmuring drifted away.
Loose thoughts began to rise in his mind.
Without the aircraft, the investigation into Red River Orphanage was on hold…
And simulator cooldown time was running low.
He wondered how many guns Madam Gao would prepare…
After the funeral tomorrow, should he visit Madam Gao?
And check on the progress of the gang restructuring…
With a head full of thoughts, Zaire felt his eyelids grow heavy.
Turning slightly, he nestled his head on the pillow and drifted to sleep.
As night fell and the city quieted…
In the base's equipment room, the Bolter Zaire had just stored suddenly emitted a low hum!
Simultaneously, a thumb-thick wisp of black mist emerged from the Bolter's depths!
.........
If you want? You get to read the next chapters before anyone else! Just go to pateron get chapters in advance: patreon.com/THE_INDRA_