Fade stood beneath the shade of an ancient oak, his eyes fixed deep into the forest. Yet, his gaze wasn't on the trees — it was focused inward, into the dark labyrinth of his mind. The outside world was silent, but inside, the hum of the system echoed clearly. He took a deep breath and summoned the familiar voice within:
[Stat Allocation Pending…]
"Strength is necessary for my chain strikes... but my reflexes keep me alive," he thought. "Endurance... I was almost on my knees during the last mutant attack."
He moved his fingers slightly.
+2 Strength
+2 Agility
+1 Endurance
[Stat Window Updated]
Power: 25
Agility: 30
Endurance: 10
The crystal in his pocket vibrated again. The system remained silent. But Fade knew—something was coming.
Nearby, Kaela glanced at the digital map, her brow furrowed.
"This can't be…" she said, surprised. "Three hours ago, this area showed no energy. But now… there's a linear fluctuation. It's as if something is patrolling."
"Mutants ?" Darin asked quietly.
Arven added softly, "Or someone is controlling them."
Fade straightened, his eyes gleaming with seriousness. "This could be a command structure."
Suddenly, the forest's silence was shattered by heavy footsteps. A massive figure emerged from the shadows between the trees. First, a blurry mass. Then, the embodiment of fear itself:
Mutant Alpha Drone.
Standing nearly two meters tall, its skin was as dark as tar, with veins pulsating neon blue light—like its nervous system spilled outside. It had no face. Instead of eyes, writhing, vibrating antennae scanned the environment constantly.
Bony protrusions rose from its shoulders, and armor-like plates covered its back. Each step cracked the earth beneath it, yet it moved with a strange, deadly grace. Its chest revealed a semi-transparent area housing a glowing core. Around it swirled parasites, like buzzing flies.
[Mutant Alpha Drone – Level 10]
[Hive Coordination]: Nearby mutants gain +15% attack & defense
[Psionic Shield Node]: High resistance to psionic attacks
Weak Point: Core node behind the neck
[System Warning: Suspicion of Conscious Mutation]
Quest Updated:
▸ Engage the command mutant group
▸ Retrieve the command beacon signal
▸ Reward: +400 XP, 1 Rare Skill Book
Zeyna lunged at the mutant like a wisp of smoke. Her daggers sliced the air like blades of light. The mutant vibrated its antennae defensively. Zeyna's first strike grazed the chest plate, but the mutant didn't retreat. Instead, some parasites turned their attention to Fade.
"Those little worms are looking at me… not good," Darin muttered.
Kaela shouted suddenly:
"Fade! The psionic core is exposed—only right after an attack! Watch Zeyna's move!"
Fade raised his chain. Shadows began to dance around the links. The Shadow Contract hadn't been triggered yet, but the chain carried a will of its own now.
[Active Skill: Shadow Chain – Activated]
Throws a chain at a distant target; can bind, pull, or disarm.
Zeyna's second strike brushed the mutant's shoulder as Fade threw the chain. It curled through the air and wrapped tightly around the mutant's neck, then...
CRACK!
The creature staggered. Its core glowed briefly.
"NOW!" Kaela yelled.
[Quick Strike II – Activated]
Fade lunged forward three times. As he reeled in the chain, he drew his rusty sword with his right hand. The first blow hit the mutant's hip, the second tore through its chest plate. On the third—
SHHHNK!
The sword plunged into the core node at the base of its neck. Sparks of electricity and blue psionic energy exploded outward. Fade was thrown back.
[HP: -12]
[HP: 123 / 135]
Zeyna slipped behind the mutant and drove her dagger into its back. Kaela's plasma pistol ripped through the air. Arven delivered the final blow—a single bullet splitting the mutant's skull in two.
BOOM.
The creature dropped to its knees briefly, then collapsed. The parasites scattered like ants and vanished.
[Alpha Mutant DEFEATED]
+400 XP
Item Obtained: Command Beacon (Rare)
New Quest: "Find the Source of the Hive"
Follow the command beacon's signal to uncover why the mutants are organizing.
Kaela examined the beacon closely. "This isn't artificial... it's organic. But it resonates with the system."
Fade loosened his grip on the chain and took a deep breath.
"If that was just a scout... the real mind is still watching us."
Zeyna smirked.
"Hehe… The real fun is just beginning."