The rifle feels like an extension of me now—sleek, balanced, and whispering promises of deadly precision. I scan the area with the scope, using my newly unlocked Predator Sense. It hums through my mind, flooding my senses with sharp clarity. Every leaf rustle, insect buzz, and distant footstep tells a story.
There's no time to waste. The research team is held in a nearby enemy outpost, and the elite soldier I just killed was likely part of their security. Reinforcements will be coming soon.
System Notification: Tactical Objective Updated. Rescue the Hostages. Time Limit: 40 Minutes.
I check the map I snagged from the patrol. The outpost isn't far—two clicks northwest through thick jungle.
I crouch low, moving like a shadow between the trees. If I take too long, the enemy might execute the hostages to cover their tracks. If I rush in unprepared, I'll end up like the rest of the poor fools sent here—dead.
The Outpost
Twenty minutes later, I reach the edge of the enemy camp. From my vantage point atop a rocky ledge, I study the layout.
A series of makeshift buildings are huddled together, surrounded by barbed wire and floodlights. Two guard towers overlook the perimeter, each manned by a sniper. Several patrols roam the compound in pairs, armed to the teeth.
I need a plan—and fast. The system helps again, feeding me options.
Tactical Options:
Stealth Infiltration – Disable the floodlights and take out the guards silently. High risk of discovery.Distraction Assault – Create a diversion by setting off explosives nearby, drawing some guards away.Direct Assault – Engage the enemy head-on. High lethality, high reward.
I grin. A hybrid approach will do. Why settle for one option when you can take them all?
Execution Begins
I creep toward the edge of the camp, careful to stay out of sight. A lone patrol drifts close to my position—two guards chatting idly. They won't get the chance to finish their conversation.
I activate Phantom Step again and close the distance in seconds. The knife slides in and out of the first soldier's ribs like butter. Before his partner can scream, I slit his throat.
System Notification: Silent Kill x2. +200 XP.
Current XP: 2140/2000. Evolution Available.
The surge hits instantly. My muscles tighten, and my mind sharpens as the system pushes me into a new tier of power.
Evolution Unlocked: Adrenal Surge
Description: Temporarily boosts speed, strength, and reflexes by 50%.Duration: 10 Seconds.Cooldown: 2 Minutes.
Perfect.
I drag the bodies into the underbrush and slip closer to the camp. From here, I can see the floodlight generator—a rusty machine sitting near the back fence. I grab a rock and hurl it into the distance.
The guards jerk toward the noise, leaving the generator unguarded. Rookie mistake. I sprint in, plant a small explosive, and slip back into the shadows.
System Notification: Explosive Charge Planted. Detonation in 15 Seconds.
The timer ticks down, and I steady my breathing.
BOOM!
The floodlights flicker and die as the explosion rattles the camp. Shouts of confusion echo through the compound as guards scramble toward the blast site. Time to move.
I sprint through the opening in their defenses, knife in one hand, rifle in the other. A lone soldier stumbles out of a building, confused. I put a bullet between his eyes.
System Notification: Headshot. +100 XP.
Inside the main building, I find the hostages—three researchers, bound and gagged. They stare at me, wide-eyed. One of them looks familiar—the scientist who injected me with the serum.
"No time to explain," I whisper, cutting their restraints. "We're leaving. Now."