Li Tian stood frozen in place, staring at the figures in front of him. They were human, at least in appearance, but their gleaming armor, coupled with the way they moved with unnerving precision, told him that they were far from ordinary. His undead senses tingled, the faint urge to act rising within him as the group of soldiers slowly advanced toward him.
The tallest among them, a man with a deep scar across his left cheek, stopped a few paces away and sized Li Tian up with an intense gaze. His posture was rigid, and his eyes seemed to pierce right through him. The others flanked him, each one a mix of stoic and alert. For a moment, the entire world felt as though it had paused, leaving just the five soldiers and Li Tian standing in a charged silence.
"Subject detected. Undead anomaly confirmed," the scarred man muttered into a wrist device, his voice calm but laced with authority.
Li Tian blinked, his undead form still stiff and heavy with the strange sensations of his new existence. He was about to respond, but the system interrupted, flashing a notification in front of his eyes.
---
[System Notification]
New Quest Available:
Quest Name: Galactic Recruitment
Objective: Interact with the Galactic Human Empire and decide whether to join them or resist.
Rewards: 200 XP, New Skill [Galactic Analysis], Potential Evolution Path Unlock
Failure: Unknown consequences.
---
The words hung in front of Li Tian's eyes for a moment. Galactic Human Empire? That sounded like something straight out of a sci-fi novel. It seemed like the right path forward, though—these people might know something about his current state. Or, at the very least, they could offer him an opportunity to grow stronger.
His gaze flickered back to the scarred soldier, who was still observing him with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Li Tian didn't waste time. His mind whirred with possibilities.
"Well, well," Li Tian said with a rasp, taking a deliberate step forward. "You're certainly a lot more... organized than I expected. I'm guessing you're not from around here?"
The scarred man's eyes narrowed. "No. We are the Galactic Human Empire, a collective of multiple star systems. This planet, designated 'Xerith,' has been marked for assimilation. Your current state—undead—is a matter of concern, but you might be of use to us."
Li Tian smirked inwardly. Of use to them? The implications of that statement were dangerous, but it also gave him an opportunity. He'd learned the hard way that power was everything in this universe. He needed to play this right.
"Assimilation? Sounds ominous," Li Tian quipped. "But sure, I'll bite. What's in it for me?"
The scarred man's lips twitched in what might have been a smile, though it was difficult to tell under the cold, metallic expression. "We offer strength, technology, and the chance to evolve. The galaxy is vast, and we are always in need of capable individuals—those who can prove themselves."
Li Tian's heart—or what was left of it—beat a little faster at the mention of evolution. He had no idea what these people were truly offering, but the word triggered something deep inside him. Evolution was exactly what he needed right now. With his undead body and limited abilities, he'd need all the help he could get.
"So, I can join your empire, huh?" Li Tian asked, giving a deliberate tilt of his head. "And what does that mean for me exactly?"
The soldier's gaze softened, and for the first time, he spoke with a bit of intrigue. "It means we could help you regain your former strength, or something beyond that. You would undergo training, potentially receive enhancements, and join the ranks of our empire's most skilled agents. However, your undead condition is an anomaly that would need to be addressed."
Li Tian's eyes flickered to the other soldiers, who stood at attention, waiting for their leader's orders. This was it—the opportunity he had been hoping for. A chance to grow stronger.
"So, what's the catch?" Li Tian asked, keeping his voice neutral. "Everything sounds too good to be true."
The scarred man regarded him for a long moment, before his lips curved into a tight, knowing smile. "There's no catch. However, there is one stipulation: You will need to undergo a series of tests. If you prove yourself worthy, you will join the Empire's ranks. If you fail…" The man's expression darkened slightly. "You will become part of the Empire's army. Forever."
Li Tian's undead mind raced. The first option seemed like a no-brainer: he would fight for power, and the Empire could help him become stronger. But there was something off about their 'tests.' He had a feeling that this was going to be more dangerous than they were letting on.
---
[System Update]
Quest Objective Update:
Test for Evolution Path – Your undead physiology needs refinement to progress. Pass the tests to gain the rewards of the Galactic Human Empire. Failure results in permanent assimilation.
Test Difficulty: Unknown
Current Progress: 0%
---
Li Tian turned back to the scarred man, trying to suppress a grin. "Well, I'm definitely interested in the 'training' part. Sign me up."
The soldier didn't immediately respond. Instead, he gestured to the others, and two of them stepped forward, their expressions unreadable. The leader continued, "Prepare yourself. We will begin your evaluation."
As the soldiers moved, Li Tian's heart sank momentarily—this wasn't going to be easy. He had to prove himself, and his undead state wasn't exactly ideal for blending in or winning any popularity contests. However, something inside him sparked with anticipation. This could be the beginning of his path toward ultimate power. It was a risk, but what in the galaxy wasn't?
With a nod, he followed them, ready to face whatever came next.
---
To be continued...