Strategic Gains
The dim light of dawn seeped through the boarded windows, marking the start of another day. Adam stirred awake, pushing off the cold floor with a groan. Around him, the summoned soldiers were already awake, their professionalism evident as they meticulously prepared their gear.
Captain stood by the window, his gaze scanning the silent streets. His rifle hung at his side, ready for action. Adam appreciated the squad's competence—they were a dependable force in a world spiraling into chaos.
A soft chime echoed in Adam's mind.
> "System Update: Weekly Rewards refreshed! Next reward available in 7 days."
He opened his status window, eager to assess their progress.
---
Status
Name: Adam Santiago
Level: 3
XP: 50/400
Gold: 7100
Skill Points: 2
Troop Count:
Infantry:
Riflemen: 5 (Summoned Soldiers)
Unlocked Features:
Shop (Unlocks at Level 5)
Wheel of Fortune (Unlocked)
Skills:
Basic Shooting Skill (Level 2): Costs 3 Skill Points to upgrade to Level 3.
---
Adam dismissed the screen. "Captain, report."
"Perimeter secure, Commander. No activity during the night. The squad is ready for deployment."
Adam nodded. "Good. Food and water are our main objectives today. We'll deprioritize medical supplies for now—our stockpile is stable."
"Yes, sir," Captain affirmed.
---
The group moved out at dawn, staying in formation as they navigated the abandoned streets. The eerie silence was broken only by the rustling of leaves and distant, guttural snarls.
Their first destination was a nearby convenience store. The broken windows and ransacked shelves spoke of earlier chaos, but there might still be something left behind. Scout slipped inside first, his movements precise and deliberate.
"All clear," he reported.
The squad followed, spreading out to search the store. After a thorough sweep, they managed to recover a few cans of food and bottles of water. As they packed up, a low growl came from the back of the store.
"Contact," Captain said, raising his rifle.
Two zombies staggered into view, their decayed forms lurching forward.
"Engage!" Adam ordered, steadying his aim.
Adam's shot struck the first zombie, dropping it instantly. Scout followed up with a burst that took down the second.
> "Kill confirmed: 2 Zombies. Gold collected: +300. XP gained: +80."
"Clear," Captain confirmed, scanning the area.
"Let's move," Adam said. "This place has nothing else worth taking."
---
Their next stop was a small apartment building a few blocks away. Its outer walls bore the scars of past skirmishes, but the structure itself remained intact. Moving cautiously, the squad cleared each floor.
On the third floor, they found an apartment with an intact pantry. Inside were several cans of food and bottles of water. As they packed up the supplies, shuffling footsteps echoed from the hallway.
"Hostiles," Captain warned, signaling the squad to take defensive positions.
Moments later, five zombies burst into the room.
"Open fire!" Adam shouted.
The squad engaged with practiced efficiency. Adam's shot took down one zombie, while Captain and Scout coordinated to eliminate three more. Corporal finished off the last with a controlled burst.
> "Kill confirmed: 5 Zombies. Gold collected: +750. XP gained: +200."
"Clear," Captain said after a moment of silence.
Adam lowered his weapon, scanning the area for further threats. "Good work. Let's finish up here and head back to base."
---
The trek back to base was uneventful, though tension hung in the air. Every shadow felt like it could conceal a threat, but the squad's professionalism kept them sharp and ready.
Once back at base, they unloaded their haul and reviewed their gains. Adam opened his status window again to take stock.
---
Status
Name: Adam Santiago
Level: 3
XP: 330/400
Gold: 8500
Skill Points: 2
Troop Count:
Infantry:
Riflemen: 5 (Summoned Soldiers)
---
Adam closed the interface and leaned against the wall, thinking about their progress. Supplies were coming together, but the threats outside were growing more frequent.
"Tomorrow, we push further," he said to Captain, who stood nearby.
The soldier nodded. "We'll be ready, Commander."
Adam looked out the window, his resolve hardening. The fight for survival was just beginning, and he was determined to see it through.