Lu Tian's fingers tighten around the holographic interface as the alarm blares in his Shelter.
> [WARNING: HIGHER-THREAT ENTITY DETECTED]
Threat Level: B+ – Evolutionary Variant Approaching
He quickly pulls up the external surveillance feed. The moment the screen loads, his blood runs cold.
A towering figure, at least three meters tall, emerges from the darkness. Unlike the previous creatures, this one walks on two legs like a human, but its body is grotesquely mutated—thick, spiked carapace covering its limbs, pulsating veins glowing faintly with crimson energy.
Its eyes gleam with intelligence, unlike the mindless beasts he had just fought. This one is different.
> [Mutant King - Stage One Evolution]
Threat Level: B+
Abilities: Enhanced Strength, High-Speed Regeneration, Shockwave Roar
Lu Tian's stomach drops. Regeneration? That means normal attacks might not work.
His gaze flickers to his 500 Upgrade Points. He doesn't hesitate.
> [Upgrade Options]
1. Advanced Plasma Turrets (300 Points) – Doubles turret damage and adds armor-piercing rounds.
2. Shockwave Barrier (250 Points) – Creates a repelling force field to knock back enemies.
3. Energy Drone (400 Points) – Deploys an autonomous combat drone with high-speed targeting.
Lu Tian grits his teeth. I need raw power.
He immediately selects Advanced Plasma Turrets, spending 300 points.
> Upgrade Initiated… Turrets Evolving…
The Shelter rumbles as his existing weapons morph, their barrels expanding and glowing a deep blue, signaling a higher energy output. A system prompt appears.
> Advanced Plasma Turrets Activated. Armor-Piercing Mode Enabled.
He lets out a breath. "Now, let's see if you can regenerate after I blast you into ash."