Chapter 10: A Taste of Power
The scrapyard was eerily quiet in the aftermath of the battle. Smoke curled into the sky from the wreckage of the Syndicate's heavy mech, and the faint glow of plasma bolts lingered on the scorched ground. Ethan stood at the center of it all, his team scattered around him as they worked to assess the damage. His muscles ached, his mind raced, and yet a faint sense of triumph stirred within him.
For the first time since arriving in Neo Arcadia-2, Ethan felt like they were truly on the map—not just as survivors but as contenders.
[Level Up Processed.]
Level 5 Achieved.
New Attribute Points: +3.
Skill Unlocked: Master Mechanic's Intuition.
[Skill Details: Master Mechanic's Intuition.]
• Effect: Grants heightened awareness of mechanical systems, enabling rapid problem-solving, weak-point identification, and improvisation under pressure.
• Passive Bonus: +15% crafting efficiency, +10% combat effectiveness with mechanical units.
Ethan tapped his wristband, allocating his new attribute points to Intelligence and Perception. The Interface adjusted his stats, the changes subtle yet invigorating. He could feel the effects immediately—his thoughts sharper, his senses more attuned.
Updated Attributes:
• Strength: 3
• Dexterity: 4
• Intelligence: 9
• Perception: 8
• Luck: 2
"Ethan," Rhea called from the fallback position, her voice tight. "You need to see this."
He turned and jogged toward her, his boots crunching over the debris-strewn ground. She stood near the prototype crate, her hacking console displaying a flurry of data. The others gathered close, their expressions ranging from curiosity to concern.
"What's going on?" Ethan asked, leaning over her shoulder.
Rhea pointed to the screen. "While I was dissecting the Syndicate's communications, I found something… bigger. This wasn't just a random assault. They've been tracking us since the first job."
Ethan frowned. "Tracking us? Why?"
"It's not just the prototype," she said, tapping a series of commands. "They flagged you specifically. Your name's all over their files. They know about the turret, the cannon—hell, they even have logs of the upgrades you've been building."
The realization hit Ethan like a punch to the gut. "They see me as a threat."
"Not just a threat," Briggs said, crossing his arms. "A potential asset. Look at this." He pointed to another file, where the Syndicate's plans were laid out in cold, calculated detail.
[Target: Ethan Cross.]
• Threat Analysis: High.
• Recommended Actions:
• Recruit for Syndicate R&D Division.
• If noncompliant, neutralize.
"They want you," Briggs said grimly. "And if they can't have you, they'll come back to finish the job."
Ethan's mind raced. The Syndicate wasn't just another faction—they were one of the most powerful forces in Neo Arcadia, controlling advanced tech, dungeons, and supply chains. If they were targeting him, it meant he'd already drawn the kind of attention that could make or break him.
"What about the Guild?" Ethan asked. "They sent their commander after us, too."
Rhea nodded, pulling up a second set of files. "Same story. They're less interested in recruiting and more about eliminating competition. The Guild doesn't like unknown players disrupting their territory."
"So we're caught between two giants," Ethan muttered. "Fantastic."
Garret snorted, hefting his cannon onto his shoulder. "Let 'em come. We've held them off twice already."
"This isn't sustainable," Shade said, his voice low and measured as he emerged from the shadows. "They'll escalate. They'll send more forces, better weapons. Eventually, they'll crush us."
The group fell silent, the weight of Shade's words sinking in. Ethan's gaze drifted to the prototype weapon still locked in its crate. It was powerful, yes—but was it enough to protect them from what was coming?
[New Quest: The Tipping Point.]
Objective: Decide your next move to secure survival and dominance in Neo Arcadia-2.
Primary Options:
1. Sell the Prototype to the Syndicate:
• Rewards: +50,000 Credits, Syndicate Favor +30.
• Risk: Permanent enmity with the Dungeon Hunters Guild.
2. Retain and Develop the Prototype:
• Rewards: Advanced Energy Weapon Technology, Unique Crafting Options.
• Risk: Increased hostility from both Syndicate and Guild.
3. Seek Alliance with a Third Party:
• Rewards: Variable (Depends on faction chosen).
• Risk: Potential betrayal or long-term dependence.
Ethan stared at the glowing options, his mind turning over the possibilities. Each choice carried its own risks, its own rewards. Selling the prototype could buy them time, but it would make them dependent on the Syndicate's goodwill. Keeping it would make them stronger, but it would also paint an even bigger target on their backs. Aligning with a third party was a wildcard—potentially useful, but dangerous.
"We need to decide," Ethan said, looking at the others. "This isn't just about the prototype anymore. It's about whether we survive in this city—or get wiped off the map."
Briggs leaned against a crate, his expression thoughtful. "The Syndicate's offer is tempting. Fifty thousand credits could set us up with better gear, more defenses."
Rhea shook her head. "And put us under their thumb. Once you're in with the Syndicate, you don't get out."
"What about the Guild?" Garret asked. "If we can't beat them, maybe we can cut a deal."
Ethan shook his head. "They're too rigid. They see us as competition, not potential allies. They won't stop until they've crushed us."
Shade's voice cut through the conversation. "Then we fight."
Everyone turned to him, surprised by the sharpness in his tone.
"If we sell the prototype, we're just delaying the inevitable," Shade said. "If we keep it, we show them that we're not just scavengers—they can't push us around. But if we're going to make a stand, we need to play smarter. We need more allies."
Ethan considered his words. Shade was right—strength alone wouldn't be enough. They needed influence, connections, and a strategy to turn Neo Arcadia-2's factions against each other.
His Interface pinged softly, as if sensing his thoughts.
[Strategic Objective Unlocked: Establish a Neutral Zone.]
Objective: Create a base of operations that forces local factions to negotiate rather than attack.
Requirements:
• Fortified Base (75% Complete).
• Established Neutral Faction Status.
• Diplomatic Standing with at least two major factions.
Reward: +5,000 EXP, New Crafting Modules, Enhanced Faction Influence.
Ethan's lips curled into a small smile. The idea was ambitious—almost impossible—but it was exactly the kind of challenge he thrived on.
"Alright," he said, stepping forward. "We're not selling the prototype. We're keeping it, and we're going to use it to make ourselves untouchable. But if we're going to survive, we need to change the game."
Rhea raised an eyebrow. "And how do we do that?"
Ethan's grin widened. "We're going to build something this city's never seen before: a neutral zone. A place where every faction has to come to us. But first, we need leverage—and I know just where to start."
The team exchanged glances, a mix of uncertainty and determination settling over them. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but for the first time, they weren't just reacting. They were taking control.
Ethan looked toward the distant skyline of Neo Arcadia-1, the gleaming towers casting long shadows over the chaotic streets below. This city had tried to crush him, but now it was his turn to rise.
"Let's get to work," he said. "We've got a war to win."