The first light of dawn seeped through the gaps in Hector's barricaded window, painting the dim apartment in hues of pale gold. The storm from days prior had left the air crisp, though the faint scent of mildew lingered in the stairwells below. Hector stretched, wincing at the dull ache in his healing wounds—a constant reminder of the trials he'd endured.
After a quick breakfast of stale crackers and canned tuna, washed down with tepid water, Hector turned his attention to the newest addition to his survival arsenal. Laid out meticulously on the table before him was the Basic Weapons Package—a testament to the progress he'd made and the dangers he'd overcome.
He first picked up the submachine gun, its slightly worn frame bearing the faint scratches of long service. It felt heavier in his hands than he'd imagined, the cold steel pressing into his palm. The simple iron sights were unremarkable but reliable, and the suppressor, while not perfect, offered a semblance of stealth. The suppressor would muffle gunfire, though it wouldn't entirely mask the noise—enough to buy precious seconds in an emergency, but not enough to use recklessly.
Hector slid one of the four magazines into the weapon with a satisfying click and tested the feel of the leather sling against his shoulder. Compact and efficient, the SMG wasn't the ideal weapon for prolonged firefights, but it could save his life in close-quarters combat. He imagined the chaos it could unleash in a hallway packed with the infected but grimaced at the thought of the noise it might draw. Even suppressed, the sound could attract more trouble than it solved.
Next, he examined the silencer for handguns, smaller and more compact, clearly designed with discretion in mind. He figured it would come across a compatible handgun, maybe he will try it with Henry's pistol, this tool could make the difference between survival and a horde bearing down on him.
The ammunition boxes, though reassuring, felt like a double-edged sword. Ammunition was finite, a resource that dwindled with each pull of the trigger. Hector knew he'd have to count every bullet like it was his last.
The weapon cleaning kit brought him a moment of relief. "At least I can keep this thing from jamming when I need it most," he muttered, his voice breaking the eerie silence of the room. He ran his hand over the brushes and oil, resolving to dedicate time each evening to maintaining his weapons.
Finally, his eyes fell on the tactical sling bag—a compact yet spacious carrier designed to hold extra ammunition and supplies. Hector slung it over his shoulder, testing the weight. "Light enough to keep me moving," he murmured approvingly.
With the gear spread out before him, Hector leaned back in his chair, contemplating its potential. This reward wasn't just a gift from the system; it was a responsibility. Every weapon fired would be a choice—each bullet a gamble. He knew he couldn't afford to become reliant on firepower, not with the infected's sensitivity to sound. His pipe wrench and knife would remain his tools of choice for stealth kills, but the arsenal gave him options for when discretion failed.
"Tools, not crutches," Hector muttered, repeating the system's own advice. The memory of the infected devouring that poor woman surfaced in his mind, unbidden and sickening. He clenched his jaw and steeled his resolve.
After securing the gear in his apartment's corner, Hector took a deep breath and turned his attention to the next challenge. The fourth floor was cleared, but the fifth loomed above like a storm cloud. He'd need to plan carefully, but for now, he allowed himself a moment to savor the rare sense of preparedness.
"Thank you," he whispered, not knowing whether it was directed at the system, some higher power, or sheer dumb luck.
With his resolve fortified and his arsenal ready, Hector felt a cautious optimism. For now, he was alive, and he intended to keep it that way.
The early morning light filtered through the gaps in the barricades as Hector tightened the straps on his tactical sling bag, the familiar weight of his gear giving him a fleeting sense of security. His submachine gun hung snugly against his chest, the pipe wrench tucked into his belt, and his hunting knife sheathed within easy reach. He moved with practiced caution, the silence around him broken only by the faint creaks of the aging building.
He began his patrol on the third floor, a routine that had become second nature. His boots moved noiselessly across the cracked tiles, each step deliberate. The hallways remained empty, the barricades at either stairwell intact. Hector checked the makeshift obstacles with a practiced eye, testing their sturdiness. Satisfied, he moved on to the fourth floor.
Ascending the stairs, he kept his breathing steady, his senses sharp. The fourth floor felt different—quieter, heavier, as though the air itself was holding its breath. The memories of his previous encounters lingered in every shadow, and Hector's hand instinctively brushed against his pipe wrench. He checked the cleared apartments, pausing briefly at the doorway where he'd found the infected devouring their victim. The smell of rot was weaker now, but it still turned his stomach.
The barricades here were holding firm as well, offering some solace. He finished his rounds quickly, eager to move forward.
Now came the harder part: scouting the stairwell leading to the fifth floor. Hector paused at the base of the stairs, staring upward into the dim, claustrophobic space. He had avoided this section since beginning his work on the lower floors. The weight of the unknown pressed against him as he adjusted his grip on the SMG.
The steps creaked underfoot as Hector ascended, the sound unnervingly loud in the silence. He froze every few steps, ears straining for the telltale shuffle of the infected. Each second felt stretched, his pulse thrumming in his ears.
As he reached the landing, Hector crouched low, pressing himself against the wall. The door leading to the fifth floor was ajar, a sliver of darkness visible beyond. He peered into the hallway, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The space seemed eerily empty, the shadows playing tricks on his vision. No movement. No sound.
He crept forward, his heart pounding in his chest. The hallway stretched out before him, doors lining both sides like sentinels guarding secrets. Hector's fingers flexed around the grip of his SMG, his body taut with tension. He didn't dare venture further—not yet.
Instead, he retreated slowly, his movements as fluid and silent as he could manage. When he reached the relative safety of the fourth floor, he let out a slow breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
The fifth floor would be a challenge. There was no telling what awaited him beyond those doors—how many infected or, worse, what kinds. Clearing it would take planning, precision, and no small amount of courage. For now, he returned to his apartment, reviewing the layout of the building in his mind and contemplating how best to tackle the task ahead.
Tomorrow, at first light, he would begin the process. For now, he fortified his resolve.
Back in his apartment, Hector placed his weapons on the table, the SMG's slight weight a reminder of the firepower he now possessed. His patrol had been uneventful, but the tension of scouting the fifth floor still lingered in his chest. He leaned back in his chair, letting out a slow exhale.
The system's faint hum resonated in his mind, drawing his attention to the glowing interface that appeared before him. It displayed his current stats, resources, and, most importantly, the perks available for his next choice.
[Perks Available for Selection]
Group Tactics:
Effect: Grants Hector a tactical edge when coordinating with allies. Increased efficiency in group combat and minor boosts to shared stamina recovery.
Notes: Useful for team-based operations but currently limited in utility while working alone.
Stealth Walker:
Effect: Reduces the noise you make while moving. Increases stealth kill efficiency and lowers the chance of being detected by the infected.
Notes: A perfect choice for clearing floors silently, especially when the infected outnumber you.
Sixth Sense:
Effect: Enhances your ability to sense danger, including spotting the infected before they notice you. Grants a minor boost to perception.
Notes: Could save your life in ambush scenarios or tight quarters.
Fortifier:
Effect: Increases the durability and effectiveness of barricades. Provides minor bonuses to crafting defensive structures.
Notes: Ideal for long-term survival and securing your safe zones.
Endurance Training:
Effect: Boosts your stamina and recovery rate, allowing you to fight and move longer without tiring.
Notes: A solid choice for prolonged encounters or escape scenarios.
Hector rubbed his chin, weighing his options. Each perk offered significant advantages, but with only limited resources to spend, he needed to choose wisely.
"Stealth Walker," he muttered to himself. The ability to move quietly and dispatch enemies without alerting others could mean the difference between life and death. The infected relied heavily on sound, and this perk would allow him to exploit that weakness.
On the other hand, Sixth Sense could keep him from walking into a trap—or worse, into a room full of the dead. Hector's gaze lingered on the description. The thought of having an edge in detecting danger was tempting, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the upper floors.
But then, Fortifier was an investment in his long-term survival. With this perk, his defenses would hold longer against potential breaches, giving him peace of mind while he worked on clearing the rest of the building.
Hector sighed, the weight of his decision settling on him. He tapped the table, running through scenarios in his head.
Ultimately, he knew one thing for sure: whatever choice he made, it would have to align with his immediate goals—securing the fifth to begin his descent.
He opened the system's interface, his finger hovering over his chosen perk. "Time to commit," he said under his breath, ready to embrace the advantages it would bring.
Hector leaned forward, his fingers tracing the edge of the table as he stared at the interface. Each perk offered a unique advantage, but one stood out above the rest.
"Sixth Sense," he muttered, reading a more detailed description.
[Sixth Sense]
Effect: Enhances your ability to sense danger, granting you a heightened awareness of your surroundings. This includes the ability to detect the infected, traps, or ambushes before they fully reveal themselves. Provides a minor boost to overall perception.
Notes: An invaluable survival tool, especially for navigating unfamiliar or hostile environments.
Hector considered the implications. This wasn't just about staying alive—it was about being proactive, staying one step ahead of the infected. He thought back to his encounter on the fourth floor, where he had barely avoided being overwhelmed by the infected. If he'd had this ability then, things might have gone smoother.
"This could save my life," he whispered, nodding.
He selected the perk, feeling a faint pulse ripple through his body. It wasn't painful, but it left him momentarily disoriented, as though his senses were recalibrating. Slowly, the room around him seemed sharper, clearer. The hum of distant wind outside his apartment window became more defined, and even the faint creak of the building's structure stood out.
Hector closed his eyes, inhaling deeply. His instincts felt sharper, more refined. "This... this is different," he said, glancing around the room. The perk wasn't just theoretical—its effects were immediate and tangible.
He stood, stretching as he let his mind settle into this new state of awareness. There was a newfound confidence within him, tempered by the understanding that he would still need to be careful.
"Sixth Sense, huh? Let's see how well you work tomorrow." With his decision made, Hector prepared for the rest of the day, his mind already planning how to best utilize his new edge for the challenges ahead.
Hector sat at his dining table, a simple meal of pasta and canned bread spread before him, he has stopped cooking these previous days after all the past days' exertions weighed heavily on his body, but his mind was sharper than ever, fueled by the choices he had made and the challenges he knew were still ahead.
As he chewed, his eyes drifted to the weapon package laid out meticulously on a nearby shelf. The submachine gun, with its sleek but worn design, seemed to glint faintly in the dim light. The handgun, compact and reliable, sat alongside its suppressor. It was a treasure trove for survival, yet Hector couldn't shake the unease that crept into his thoughts every time he looked at them.
"I got excited, didn't I?" he muttered, running a hand through his hair. "All these weapons, and I barely know how to use them properly."
It was true. Aside from basic handling and a vague understanding of aiming, Hector was no marksman. His encounters with the infected had been brutal, up-close affairs—wrenches, knives, and blunt force had been his tools. Firearms were a whole new realm, one he couldn't afford to fumble.
He took a deep breath, staring into his meal. "I can't let this be a weakness," he said to himself. "Not when the stakes are this high."
Hector pushed his plate aside, pulling a scrap of paper from his bag. With a pen, he began jotting down a plan.
Development Plan:
Endurance Training:
"This has to come first," he murmured. "Without stamina, none of this matters. I'm already running on fumes half the time."The perk promised enhanced stamina regeneration, increased resistance to fatigue, and a modest boost to physical resilience. It was the foundation for long-term survival, especially when clearing floors or dealing with prolonged fights.
Basic Firearms Handling:
Hector tapped the paper thoughtfully. "I've been relying on brute force, but that can only take me so far."He needed to train himself to handle firearms efficiently. This meant mastering aim, recoil control, and reload speed, as well as understanding when and where to use them. He noted the importance of practicing with the handgun first—it was quieter, lighter, and more practical in confined spaces.
Future Perks to Consider:
-Fortifier: To improve his ability to reinforce his defenses and maintain safe zones or maybe one day setting a safe perimeter around the building.
-Stealth Walker: To enhance his ability to move silently and avoid unnecessary confrontations.
Daily Practice Routine:
"Starting tomorrow," he said, underlining the point. "No more excuses."Morning patrols would now include a brief session of firearms handling—loading, aiming, and dry-firing to get a feel for the weapons. Once the infected presence in the building was lower, he'd look for a safe spot to practice live firing without drawing attention.
He finished his dinner, packed away his notes, and began mentally preparing for the next day. The road ahead was long, but Hector was ready to face it one calculated step at a time.