As soon as he selects Manual Mode, a holographic targeting screen appears in front of him, displaying a direct view from the turrets' perspective. A futuristic joystick-like controller materializes before him, letting him aim and fire manually.
Lu Tian's eyes narrow. Let's see how you handle a real fight.
The moment he grips the controls, the interface glows red:
> [Hostile Target Locked]
He swings the turret toward the fastest creature, predicting its movements.
— BANG! BOOM! —
A charged plasma shot explodes against its torso, sending a shockwave of blue energy through the area. The creature howls in agony, half of its chest disintegrated, but even with such a devastating wound, it still tries to move.
> Threat Level: C → D (Weakened)
"Not today!" Lu Tian fires another shot, this time aiming directly at its head. A direct hit. The mutated beast collapses lifelessly.
But no time to celebrate.
The last two creatures charge at full speed, covering the distance in seconds.
> Warning! Enemies are at close range!
Lu Tian barely has time to react before one of them leaps—
— CRASH! —
The energy barrier flickers as the creature slams into it with full force, sending a shockwave through the entire Shelter.
> Barrier Integrity: 80% → 65%
The impact rattles the entire building. Lu Tian stumbles, but regains control, adjusting his aim at point-blank range.
— BOOM! —
The turret's blast disintegrates the monster's head completely, leaving behind a charred crater where its skull once was.
One left.
Before he can aim, the final creature lunges straight at the observation panel, its clawed hand raised to strike—
— BANG! BOOM! —
The second turret auto-locks at the last second and fires, sending the creature flying mid-air. It crashes onto the rubble outside, lifeless.
Silence falls over the battlefield. The smell of burnt flesh and energy residue lingers in the air.
> Battle Complete. Hostile Threat Neutralized.
+500 Upgrade Points Earned.
Lu Tian exhales sharply, his hands shaking slightly from the adrenaline. "Damn… That was too close."
He checks the system status.
> Shelter Integrity: 90%
Barrier Energy: 60%
Ammunition Remaining: 78%
Even though he won, the battle revealed a dangerous flaw—his defenses aren't perfect. If stronger enemies come, will the Shelter hold?
Just as he's about to breathe a sigh of relief, a new alert appears.
> [WARNING: HIGHER-THREAT ENTITY DETECTED]
New Evolutionary Variant Approaching… Threat Level: B+
Lu Tian's expression darkens. So… that was just the beginning?
He clenches his fists and looks at his newly earned 500 points.
"It's time to upgrade again."