Hidden Depths

The morning sun filtered through the cracks in the roof of their makeshift hideout, casting fractured beams of light across the floor. Biodun blinked awake, feeling the hum of the system at the back of his mind. Since the reconnaissance mission, his thoughts had been dominated by Hassan’s plans. Today, though, there was a different tension in the air.

Sitting up, Biodun stretched, trying to ease the stiffness from his limbs. His mind drifted to the day's tasks—strategies, escape routes—but the system interrupted him with an unexpected notification.

Gssmzzz!

Ding!

New Feature Unlocked: Daily Lottery.

Try your luck for a chance to win a special item or reward!

“Lottery?” Biodun muttered, rubbing his eyes. The system had never mentioned anything like this before. It felt suspicious—everything from the system had a price—but curiosity won out. He opened the interface, and a swirling vortex of colors appeared in front of him. The option to spin the lottery wheel glowed faintly.

Tunde, sitting by the entrance sharpening his blade, glanced over. “What’s up?”

“New system feature—something called the Daily Lottery,” Biodun replied, still unsure.

Tunde raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like a trap. Or a distraction.”

“Probably both,” Biodun chuckled, though unease settled in his stomach. “But I’m already in deep. Let’s see.”

He activated the wheel. It spun, lights flashing in a swirl of colors, ticking slowly over various symbols—some familiar, some alien.

Tick… tick… tick…

Ding!

You have won: Essence of Valor!

A glowing item appeared in front of him. It was small, no larger than a marble, but it pulsed with energy that made his skin tingle. The system provided details.

Essence of Valor: Temporarily boosts all physical and mental attributes by 20% for one hour. Use wisely.

Biodun touched the item, and it disappeared into the system’s inventory, ready to be summoned.

Tunde leaned over. “So, what’s it do?”

“Increases all my abilities for an hour,” Biodun replied. “Could be useful… in the right situation.”

Zainab, returning from a patrol, overheard the conversation. “The system never gives gifts without a catch. Expect a test soon.”

Biodun nodded. The system always had a reason, and it had given him this item for a purpose. As if confirming his thoughts, the system pinged again.

Gssmzzz!

Ding!

New Task: Use the Essence of Valor in a critical situation. Completion will result in 100 XP.

“There it is,” Biodun sighed. “Knew it wasn’t free.”

Zainab chuckled. “You’ve got to play the system’s game.”

Tunde crossed his arms. “It’s about timing. Use it too early, you waste it. Too late, and it’s no good.”

Biodun nodded. Timing was key. The system had given him a tool, but he’d need to know when to use it.

“Let’s keep moving,” he said, rising to stretch. “I’ve got a feeling things are about to get interesting.”

The day passed with a growing sense of anticipation. Each step they took through the city’s ruins felt heavier, as if the system's task loomed over them, waiting to drop. Biodun’s thoughts kept returning to the Essence of Valor, its presence a constant reminder of the task. One hour wasn’t long. Timing was crucial.

Zainab walked ahead, scanning rooftops for danger. Tunde stayed close, hand on his blade. Even Nkiru, calm as ever, seemed on edge.

“Think the system’s going to throw something at us today?” Zainab asked softly.

“Seems likely,” Biodun replied. “It always does after giving something like this.”

They rounded a corner and froze. Ahead, a broad intersection lay in silence. Buildings stood like sentinels, casting long shadows across the cracked pavement. Biodun’s instincts flared—something was wrong.

Zainab raised her hand, signaling a stop. Biodun’s heart skipped a beat as he followed her gaze to the far side of the street. A group of figures huddled together. They weren’t soldiers, but they were armed.

“Guess that’s our challenge,” Tunde muttered.

Biodun clenched his fists, feeling the buzz of the system. This was it—the moment he had been waiting for. His fingers hovered over the interface, ready to summon the Essence. But timing was everything.

Gssmzzz!

Ding!

Essence of Valor activated.

A surge of energy exploded through Biodun, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus. For the next hour, he would be faster, stronger, and more aware than ever before.

Without hesitation, he moved. In a blur of motion, he was on the first scavenger, disarming him with a swift strike. The man fell before he could react. The rest of the group scrambled, realizing too late they were under attack.

Tunde came in from the side, his blade flashing as he took down another scavenger. Zainab and Nkiru flanked the remaining men, their movements coordinated and precise. The fight was over in seconds—perfect execution.

But it wasn’t just their training. The Essence was coursing through Biodun, amplifying every move, every decision. His mind raced, calculating the next step before the enemy could even react. It was as if the world had slowed down, leaving him in control.

Yet, as the battle ended, an unease settled over him. The Essence of Valor was a temporary boost, and its power would fade. How would he handle future battles without it?

The last scavenger collapsed, his weapon clattering to the ground. Biodun’s heart pounded, but the energy still burned within him. Tunde wiped sweat from his brow, glancing at him.

“That was… intense.”

Biodun nodded. “Yeah.” His mind raced. The Essence was still active, but its time was running out. They needed to move.

Zainab surveyed the area. “We need to get out before more show up.”

Biodun agreed. They began to move, the familiar buzz of the system humming in his mind.

Gssmzzz!

Ding!

Task Completed: Use Special Item.

Earned 100 XP.

The notification flashed before him, but Biodun barely registered it. The battle had been won, but the real victory was the lesson he had learned. The Essence had given him an edge, but its power was fleeting. Timing had been everything. If he’d activated it too early or too late, the outcome might have been different.

As they returned to their hideout, the adrenaline began to fade, leaving behind a sense of clarity. The Essence would soon wear off, but Biodun didn’t feel regret. He had learned something far more valuable: that power without wisdom was useless.

Back at their base, the weight of the day’s events hung over them. Hassan’s threat still loomed, and the hardest battles were yet to come. Biodun checked the system interface.

[Level 5]

[XP: 1860]

[Skills: Basic Fitness, Strategic Analysis, Meditation, Basic Combat]

[Weapons: None]

They were inching closer to the next level, but the challenges would only grow harder. For now, though, they had a moment of calm. In that moment, Biodun reflected on the day’s lesson: power was nothing without the wisdom to wield it.