4
"What the..."
Carter could only mutter after having seen the screen come up into his field of vision.
He was an avid fan of light novels, manga, anime, and movies.
So the sight of seeing a status screen wasn't exactly a thing unheard of and with the earlier message having also been displayed in this way things were starting to come together but what did the message mean by other?
Where there other system holders out there, but how could the scientific system not be the only system?
Afterall magic didn't exist outside of illusions, while every other mystical power in the legends of earth were just that legends, and stories.
Carter's eyes locked onto the glowing holographic screen hovering before him, its soft blue light illuminating his bloodstained face.
His chest still heaved from the fight, his breaths ragged as he tried to make sense of it all.
The zombie outbreak, the grotesque transformation he'd just witnessed, and now this… this bizarre system that had seemingly chosen him out of everyone else on the planet.
It was like something ripped straight out of a sci-fi fever dream—or worse, a video game where the stakes were life and death.
"I can't tell what's real anymore,"
Carter muttered, his voice low and edged with frustration beginning to think his mind had fractured as a result of the onset to the apocalypse.
He wiped the sweat from his brow, smearing a streak of drying blood across his forehead.
The situation was surreal, like someone had thrown him into a puzzle where half the pieces were missing.
The holographic tabs blinked softly, teasing his curiosity.
He squinted at the glowing options, feeling a strange tug between dread and excitement.
Then, as if the system could read his thoughts, a new message appeared:
[Notification: If you want to learn about your system, please tap me to display the instruction manual.]
Carter's eyebrows shot up, his lips twisting into a half-smirk.
"An instruction manual? Really? What is this, tech support for the apocalypse?"
Still, he hesitated for a moment before shrugging.
What else did he have to lose?
With a light tap on the glowing prompt, the screen shifted, and text filled the air before him.
Welcome to the Scientific Military System
Your Stats: Check your health, experience, skills, and other vital information here.
Inventory: Manage your items and resources.
Shop: Spend your hard-earned cash on supplies and equipment.
Summoned Troops: Unlock and command troops for your survival.
Wheel of Fortune: Test your luck and win rewards, available once a month.
Daily Rewards: Claim daily items to aid in your survival.
Missions: Accept missions and earn rewards upon completion.
Basic Survival Guide: Tips and tricks for navigating this new world.
Zombie Encounters: Log and analyze data about zombies you've encountered.
Tactics and Strategies: Develop strategies to deal with zombies.
Carter's eyes scanned the list, a mix of disbelief and intrigue tightening in his chest.
The words felt out of place against the reality of his situation, yet there they were, floating before him in crystal-clear clarity.
It was like someone had designed a survival system just for him—a personalized blueprint for navigating the chaos.
"This… is insane,"
he muttered, his voice laced with incredulity.
But the practical part of him—the part that had already decided survival was non-negotiable—knew better than to question it.
"Alright, guess this is my lifeline now."
He glanced at the tabs again, each one glowing faintly, beckoning him forward like a path through the darkness.
His gaze lingered on one in particular: Summoned Troops.
He tapped it, and the screen shifted instantly.
[As you progress and accumulate experience, you'll gain the ability to summon troops to bolster your survival efforts. Each level you attain increases your troop capacity, allowing you to command a larger force, and when you reach a levelling milestone you will level up the system itself increasing your options availible. Your troops are equipped for a variety of functions, including scouting, defense, and scavenging. Their loyalty is unwavering, making them indispensable allies in your struggle to survive.]
Carter's lips curled into a grin, adrenaline sparking through his veins.
"So, I can summon soldiers? Like my own freaking army? Now we're talking."
His mind buzzed with possibilities.
Scouting, defense, even offensive strikes against hordes of zombies—this wasn't just survival anymore.
This was warfare.
Curious, he backed out of the tab and tapped another: Shop.
His jaw dropped slightly as a sprawling virtual marketplace unfolded before him, categorized with military precision:
[Current Balance: 0 Dollars]
Firearms: None
Melee Weapons:
Blunt | Edged | Pointed
Military Vehicles: Cart
Military Aircraft: None
Ammunition: Bone | Stone
Troops:
Paleolithic
-: Contact Soldier | Ranged Soldier | Scout Soldier | Support Soldier
Carter couldn't help but let out a low whistle.
"This… this is insane. I've got access to summon soldiers, and soon enough I'll be able to summon planes, and TANKS!"
He let out a dry laugh, running a hand through his messy hair.
"Too bad I'm broke."
His gaze lingered on the "Summoned Troops" section again.
Soldiers, support, and scout units—it was all there, waiting to be unlocked.
He clenched his fists, determination flaring in his chest.
"I don't know who designed this thing, or why it chose me, but if this is my ticket to surviving this nightmare… then so be it."
His mind raced with plans.
First, he'd figure out how to earn points.
Then he'd start building his arsenal, summoning troops, and creating a fortress strong enough to keep the undead at bay.
But even as hope stirred inside him, a voice of doubt lingered in the back of his mind.
What if this system has a catch?
What if he wasn't in control, but just a pawn in something bigger?
He pushed the thought aside.
It didn't matter.
Not now.
Survival was his only priority.
Carter straightened his back, his grip on the knife tightening as he stared at the glowing screen.
"Alright, Scientific Military System," he said under his breath, his tone steely.
"Let's see what you've got."