Ch 20. An Invitation of Lead
After reaching Level 5, the [Shop] option in his system interface was no longer greyed out. The [Exchange] function had also become active.
He tested the Exchange feature with curiosity—trying to convert stones, dirt, even water—but the system denied those inputs. It only accepted items with genuine, worldly value. The system wasn't stupid.
There were three kinds of returns: gold coins, amethyst coins, and soul points. Over time, he had slain numerous wild animals and traded their carcasses—fur, flesh, teeth, bones—sometimes even the whole bodies. The returns were impressive.
Switching the payout option to soul points, he prioritized that over worldly currency since the Shop exclusively accepted soul points for purchases.
The Shop itself was a treasure trove, categorized neatly into sections: Weapons, Supplies, Ammunition, and more.
He had accumulated nearly 1 million soul points. Yet, even that seemed inadequate when he explored the arsenal of available weapons. Modern, high-powered firearms sat on display, far beyond his current budget.
Tanks, anti-tank cannons, armor-piercing rounds, incendiary shells, heavy machine guns, mortars, and long-range cannons were all available—most designed for full infantry warfare. The Shop even sold healing potions ranging from low-tier to high-tier.
Everyday necessities weren't neglected either. Soaps, perfumes, talcum powders, clothes, food, pillows, medicines—even they had a place in the shelves of the system's store.
He noticed several greyed-out slots too—likely categories that would unlock later. Someday, he told himself, he would access it all. But first, he needed more soul points, and to get those, he had to keep killing.
Among the many items missing from his arsenal, an assault rifle was top priority. His current MP40 submachine gun worked well for close to mid-range battles, but an assault rifle would offer more range and damage.
He considered the AK-47, the Kalashnikov, legendary for its reliability. But its price in the system was brutal—350,000 soul points, not including ammunition, which could push the total cost up to nearly 450,000.
That was nearly half his savings.
Scrolling further down the firearms section, something caught his eye.
The Sturmgewehr 44—more commonly known as the STG44 or MP44—was listed. The world's first true assault rifle, developed by Nazi Germany in the final years of World War II, it had revolutionized modern warfare. Despite its vintage origins, it remained devastatingly relevant on the battlefield.
Its price? 150,000 soul points.
Ammunition cost him another 50,000 soul points for 50,000 rounds—one soul point per round. Only explosives and specialized rounds cost more.
The STG44 came equipped with a thermal scope attachment—a secondary module usable at night that projected heat signatures, letting him spot enemies in darkness. A valuable asset.
Though night-vision goggles were also available, their price tag of 250,000 made them a luxury he couldn't yet afford.
The rifle itself was around 5 kilograms, with a 30-round chamber. Like modern assault rifles, it supported single fire, three-round burst, and full-auto. But full-auto on the STG44 was wild, the recoil immense due to its vintage mechanics. For him, single fire or burst was the way to go. Full-auto was for emergencies only.
He also opted for double drum magazines, each holding 150 rounds. It cost him extra soul points, but the trade-off—higher firepower and fewer reloads—was worth it.
To test his new toy, he decided to initiate a field trial.
He approached the building that housed the central office—the one where he had previously attempted an assassination. Since the incident, security had been tightened significantly. Armed mercenaries and hired bodyguards now patrolled the premises.
Two guards stood at the entrance, spears crossed in an "X" formation, blocking his way.
"Unauthorized personnel are not allowed. Show permission or an appointment letter," one of them barked.
The guards were muscular, visibly disciplined. Clearly not pushovers.
"Appointment?" he chuckled, amused. "Permission?"
Both guards nodded in unison. "Yes. Do you have one?"
He took a step back, his expression unreadable. They tensed as he suddenly broke into laughter. Their eyes darted toward each other, confused.
That's when the hallway echoed with the thunder of his STG44.
Two burst fires.
That was all it took to bring down both guards, their corpses collapsing with dull thuds.
"You were asking about permission and appointments," he muttered, walking over their bodies. "But you didn't even say hello to my new friend. How rude."
➖ Ping! ➖
[Earned 1197 EXP + 901 Soul Points for killing a Mercenary]
[Earned…]
As system notifications appeared, he quickly stored the corpses in his inventory. But before he could relax, the sound of many footsteps reverberated down the stairwell.
They were coming.
He had stirred the hornet's nest.
Smirking, he reloaded the STG44 and prepped the stairway. Two anti-personnel mines and a tripwire were rigged into place—meant to reduce the numbers and deliver a psychological blow.
After all, they were mercenaries. Sellswords. The kind that bleed easy and scatter quicker.
Taking a crouched stance at the base of the stairwell, his new rifle ready, he locked his sights down the corridor—awaiting the incoming barrage with cold, quiet confidence.
-----------------------------------
🩸Next - Chapter 21: Crimson Reign
Blood paves the way as Rahul unleashes pure chaos with grenades, mines, and unrelenting lead. But just when the battlefield seems cleared, a new force arrives—imperial soldiers and local police, demanding surrender. Will Rahul comply… or will he remind them all why he's not a man to be trifled with?
Justice or massacre—what awaits those who stand in his path?