Chapter 15: A Glimpse into the Truth
The room was eerily quiet now, the hum of the containment chamber replaced by the faint buzz of flickering lights. Alex stood over the ashes of the experimental infected, his heart still pounding. He opened the system shop with a wave of his hand, his SP total displayed prominently:
> System Points: 360 SP
The choices from earlier lingered in his mind, but this time, something new caught his eye—a section labeled Advanced Utilities.
Curious, he opened it, revealing an option that made him pause:
> Data Interface Module – 300 SP
Unlocks the ability to directly analyze encrypted data chips and hack secured systems.
Alex frowned, glancing at the glowing data chip in his inventory. He didn't know where to find a secure terminal, and the chip's description hinted it held critical information.
"This might be the only way to figure out what's going on," he muttered, selecting the upgrade.
> System Notification:
Purchase Complete: Data Interface Module Activated.
Remaining SP: 60 SP
A sharp jolt ran through Alex's arm as the module integrated with his system. He flexed his fingers, a faint blue glow radiating from his palm when he focused.
"Guess I'm the terminal now," he said dryly, holding up the chip.
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Decrypting the Past
The system interface shifted as Alex activated the data chip. Streams of code filled the air before organizing into readable files. A progress bar appeared, ticking up as the chip decrypted itself.
> Decryption Complete. Accessing Files…
The screen displayed a series of documents, videos, and schematics. Alex clicked on the first file, labeled Project Genesis: Overview.
The video began playing, showing a sterile laboratory filled with scientists in hazmat suits. A calm, professional voice narrated over the footage.
> "Project Genesis was initiated to enhance the human body's resistance to disease, aging, and physical injury. Using a combination of viral manipulation and genetic engineering, we aimed to create the next evolution of humanity."
The footage shifted, showing test subjects—ordinary people—strapped to tables as glowing liquid was injected into their veins. At first, they seemed fine, their vitals stabilizing. But then the screaming began.
> "Unexpected mutations arose during Phase 3, leading to what we now classify as the Infected Strain. Containment measures were enacted, but the infection proved highly contagious, spreading beyond the test facility within days."
The video cut to a montage of chaos—streets overrun with infected, military forces failing to hold the line, and cities collapsing into ruin.
Alex clenched his fists as the video ended, his stomach twisting. "So this wasn't some random outbreak. They caused it. They built it."
The final file caught his attention: Prototype Alpha: Status Report.
Opening it, Alex saw a detailed log of the creature he had just fought.
> Subject: Prototype Alpha
Designation: First Successful Hybrid
Abilities: Enhanced strength, reflexes, and healing. Capable of emitting an energy pulse to incapacitate threats.
Status: Terminated (Override Code: 547X-Q).**
His system chimed again, providing its own update:
> Objective Updated:
Find the Genesis Control Core.
Alex stared at the new objective. "Genesis Control Core… What the hell is that? Another lab?"
He shook his head, his jaw tightening. Whatever this core was, it was tied to the outbreak. And if he could find it, maybe—just maybe—he could stop this nightmare.
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Securing the Path Forward
The faint sound of groaning reached Alex's ears, pulling him out of his thoughts. The fight with the Alpha must have drawn nearby infected. He glanced at his health, now back to full thanks to the Health Regeneration skill, and reloaded his pistol.
"Time to move," he muttered, heading back toward the hallway.
His system's Survival Instincts pinged, revealing three infected approaching from the western corridor. Alex ducked into the shadows, activating Stealth Mode to reduce his noise and visibility.
> Enemy Count: 3 (Standard Walkers). Danger Level: Low.
He crept forward, gripping his crowbar. One by one, he dispatched the infected with precise strikes to the head, earning another small batch of SP.
> Walker Eliminated: +10 SP.
Walker Eliminated: +10 SP.
Walker Eliminated: +10 SP.
Current SP: 90 SP.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Alex retraced his steps to the stairwell. He glanced at the map on his interface, plotting his route to the next objective.
The system chimed, providing a new notification:
> Side Objective Unlocked:
Optional: Investigate the Armory on Floor 3. Potential Supplies and Upgrades Available.
Alex hesitated. The armory could have better weapons or gear, but it was out of the way, and he wasn't sure how much time he had before more infected arrived.
"Do I risk it or stick to the main mission?" he wondered aloud.
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A Decision to Make
Standing at the crossroads, Alex weighed his options. The armory could give him the edge he needed to face whatever was guarding the Genesis Control Core. But the longer he delayed, the greater the risk of encountering something worse.
As the faint sound of groaning echoed from the floors above, Alex tightened his grip on his crowbar. Whatever choice he made, there was no turning back.