Chapter 60
The system chimed, and a new interface opened with a soft glow.
[Weapon Enhancement & Unlock Menu]
Current Equipped Weapon: Double-Edged Axe (Standard)
Upgrade to: +10% Base Damage – [Cost: 2,000 EXP]
Add Mod: Serrated Edge (Causes Bleed, 30% chance) – [Cost: 2,500 EXP]
Mutate Weapon: Abyss-Touched Axe (Unlocks Corruption Damage, meteorborns take 20% more damage) – [6,000 EXP + Abyss Core]
“Seriously, why so expensive?” Theo complained. WIth a frown, he started checking the available weapons he could unlock at his current rank.
[Unlock New Weapon Slots p>
Silent Dagger – Lightweight off-hand weapon for stealth kills – [Cost: 1,000 EXP]
Tactical Shortbow – with unlimited arrows; long-range silent kills – [Cost: 1,500 EXP]
Collapsible Spear – Medium-range thrust weapon, extendable shaft – [Cost: 1,500 EXP]
Modified Silenced Pistol – Basic firearm with suppressor; 12 rounds – [Cost: 2,000 EXP]
Theo considered the options for a moment, then made his decisions quickly.
“I’ll just have a fallback weapon for now. Something quiet,” he murmured.
He selected Unlock Silent Dagger.
[1,000 EXP spent. Silent Dagger acquired p>
The dagger materialized beside his belt, and a folded shortbow clicked into place in his backpack.
[EXP Remaining: 12,090]
Theo closed the screen, feeling the familiar hum of his system stabilizing, syncing with his body like a second pulse.
“Now we’re talking,” he muttered.
“I’ll save the rest,” Theo muttered with a nod. He packed up his gear, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and left his room.
Before heading out, he made a point to find Aries. She was in the kitchen with Aunt Brenda and the kids, helping prep dinner. The warm smell of spices and grilled meat filled the room.
“I’m guessing you’re off to a red zone again?” Aries asked, sighing as she sliced vegetables. “Where to this time p>
“Red Zone D2,” Theo replied. “Elmsworth Textile Company. I already sent the details to Calix. Just monitor me through the usual radio channel.” He gave her a small wink.
Aries pouted and grabbed a plate. “At least have an early dinner first p>
Theo chuckled. “I’ll pass. I just had Aunt Brenda’s cheeseburger not too long ago. I’m still full.” He tapped the pouch on his side. “Besides, I’ve got energy bars with me. Don’t worry p>
Aries just shrugged, half-annoyed, half-worried.
Then Lilia stepped forward, holding a bottle shyly in both hands. “Bring this too, Theo p>
He took it with a smile. “Oh, thank you, Lilia.” It was his favorite, her homemade fresh fruit and veggie juice. She always packed one for him whenever he headed out.
“Take care,” she said, offering a small smile. He ruffled her hair gently.
Lilia, at sixteen, was the oldest among the children and one of the most responsible. Theo had noticed how often she helped Aries and Aunt Brenda with chores, and how she looked after the younger kids, scolding them when necessary. She was mature for her age, far beyond her years.
“I’ll head out now,” he said with a wink, then turned and left.
Theo rode his motorcycle down the empty road. The sky was getting darker, and the establishments around him looked quiet and lifeless. In the distance, he could see the tall shape of the Elmsworth Textile Factory, marked as Red Zone D2.
He slowed down and stopped two blocks away from the danger zone. A red warning light hovered near the invisible barrier:
DANGER – RED ZONE – DO NOT ENTER.
Theo looked around. The streets were completely silent. Not a single person in sight. The government had already evacuated all nearby houses and buildings since Red Zone D2 hadn’t been cleared by AMSO yet.
He pushed his motorcycle into a narrow alley and hid it behind some broken metal and trash. Then he threw a tarp over it.
“Still good for escape later,” he muttered.
He tapped his earpiece. “Theo here. I’m outside Red Zone D2 p>
“Copy. Be careful,” Aries replied from the other end.
Theo took a deep breath and whispered, “Shadow Step p>
A black mist swirled around him. In an instant, he disappeared from the street and reappeared inside the barrier, behind a stack of old shipping containers. No alarm went off.
He smiled.
Inside the zone, the air felt heavy. The old textile factory stood tall and broken. Some windows were shattered. Part of one wall had collapsed. The building had five floors. It looked abandoned, but Theo knew it wasn’t empty.
He crouched low and moved carefully toward the building, sticking close to walls and shadows.
[Ding! Special Quest Available: “Heart of the Meteorborn p>
Objective: Eliminate Meteorborn Aero (MAero) with an active meteorite core.
Primary Reward: Host gains abilities and traits extracted from the defeated Meteorborn.
Acquirable Trait: Aerostride – Moves at unnatural speeds, using wind currents to attack and evade.
Danger Level: Moderate
[Bonus Reward: +10,000 EXP, +1,000 Gold Coins]
[Special Reward: Unlock “Gold & EXP Exchange” Menu – Allows converting Gold Coins into EXP and EXP into Gold Coins]
[Warning: Failure to eliminate at least one target within 16 hours will result in Mutation Corruption. Proceed with caution p>
[Accept Quest? YES / NO] Thıs text ıs hosted at
“So soon?” Theo muttered, narrowing his eyes.
Before he could react further, a heavy thud echoed from above. He glanced up to see MAero drop from the rooftop, landing with a low growl.
It was fast, moving almost like a shadow in the wind. Its skin was pale with soft blue and white patterns that seemed to flow like gusts of air. Sharp, crystal-like pieces of meteorite stuck out from its shoulders and arms, shining slightly in the light.
Its eyes glowed bright silver, watching Theo carefully like a hunter. Small winds swirled around its feet, kicking up dust with every step. Its long fingers had sharp claws, ready to attack quickly.
Slowly, the Meteorborn turned to face Theo. Theo gulped, his eyes locked on the creature.
Theo crouched low, eyes narrowed as wind whipped around him. The creature before him was lean but unnaturally tall, its long limbs vibrating with turbulent energy.
Thin, translucent fins extended from its back like jagged sails, channeling violent gusts with each twitch. Its eyes, silver and vacant, locked onto Theo as if sensing his intent.