Chapter 4: Unleashed
The first infected in the group lunged at him, its rotting hands reaching for his throat. Alex moved without thinking, sidestepping the attack with a speed that surprised even himself. He swung the machete upward, the blade slicing cleanly through the creature's neck.
The headless corpse hit the floor with a wet thud.
Enemy Eliminated: +5 System Points.
The next two came at him together, snarling and snapping their jaws. Alex charged forward, ducking low to avoid their outstretched arms. He drove the machete into the chest of one, then yanked it free and spun, slicing the second infected across the face.
The system pinged in his head with every kill.
+5 System Points.
+5 System Points.
"Keep them coming!" Alex roared, adrenaline coursing through his veins.
The final infected hesitated at the doorway, as if sensing the danger. Alex didn't give it a chance to retreat. He closed the distance in two quick steps and brought the machete down in a brutal arc, splitting the creature's head in two.
+5 System Points.
Silence fell over the apartment. Alex stood amidst the carnage, his chest heaving as the last of the adrenaline faded. The machete slipped from his fingers, clattering to the blood-soaked floor.
Mission Complete: Defend your shelter.
Reward Unlocked: Inventory Function.
The interface shimmered, a new icon appearing in the corner.
[Inventory: Open]
"Inventory?" Alex muttered, tapping the icon. A grid-like display appeared, showing his current possessions: the machete, the gauze, and the half-eaten energy bar.
"This… is going to be useful," he said, stuffing the machete and gauze into the inventory. The items disappeared from his hands, leaving him free to move without carrying anything.
Mission Progression
Before Alex could celebrate, the system spoke again.
Next Mission: Expand your safe zone.
Objective: Clear adjacent rooms and secure additional resources.
Reward: Skill Upgrade (Basic Combat Proficiency). Penalty: Overrun by infected.
Alex groaned. "You've got to be kidding me…"
Author's Note:
Alex has taken his first steps toward survival, but the apocalypse isn't slowing down. As he grows stronger, the challenges ahead will only become deadlier. Will he rise to the occasion or crumble under the weight of the system's demands?