System 80% Operational

[System Online]

[80% of hardware now operational]

[Unable to establish communication with the hive]

[Initiating training protocol]

'The system could do that?' Liam asked himself, his voice barely a whisper as he wondered how would that would work. Was the system capable of doing that? But then again, he didn't know much about it. Was it an insectoid trait? Or was it something that got implemented during their experiments?

[Yes. My main task is training the host for future battles. By scanning your data and analyzing your surroundings, I'll create an appropriate training program.]

[While hive communication is offline, I am authorized to create the main mission for the host.]

Liam stared at the messages coming one after another. He also noticed that the system had become more responsive than before.

It also seemed to be more intelligent. Its first message brought a smile to his face. If it was a training program, then he was sure it would turn him into a powerful soldier.

Finally, he would be able to strike back, using their technology against them. The best part was that he was able to do as he pleased since the system didn't appear to be able to communicate with the enemy. The system was completely his to use.

'Okay, so how does the training work?' he asked. After all, it was important to know what he was getting into. He was feeling slightly concerned since he wasn't sure if he would be able to follow two training programs at the same time.

[By completing the given missions, you'll earn XP. After earning enough, you'll be able to level up and naturally strengthen your body.]

[100XP required for level up.]

'So... the bugs love video games,' Liam chuckled internally. The moment the system showed him the status window, he immediately thought of it as some kind of immersive virtual reality, IVR for short.

As soon as Liam thought of bumping insectoids and humans together, he felt a sharp, stinging pain at the back of his head for a second, making him squeeze his eyes.

[Do not think that insectoids share the same qualities as lower beings. We simply found their form of entertainment more effective in training.]

The screen turned red as it showed the message, and while it was just ordinary text, Liam could feel some sort of aggression behind it, making him gulp and return to reality—this wasn't a game.

'All right, all right, sorry,' he thought, rolling his eyes. Who knew the system could be so moody? "So, what can I do?"

[Would you like me to open your ability tab?]

'Yes, please!' Liam felt his heart pounding in his chest as his pupils widened in curiosity. The idea of seeing what he was capable of on paper made him feel excited since he had been forced to discover things about himself on the go.

Before Liam's eyes, the screen changed, and it started to list everything he could do.

[Primal abilities:]

Vibroreception

Wing camouflage

Molting

Compound Vision

Pheromone Communication

[Secondary ability: Bioenergy manipulation]

Energy blast, lv. 1

Healing, lv. 1

As he went through his ability list, Liam felt utterly disappointed. He didn't learn anything new except that he could probably communicate with other insectoids.

'Where was this stupid piece of trash when I needed it?' he thought with a strong desire to punch it, but he was soon brought back to reality thanks to his sister, who tapped him on the shoulder a few times.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, feeling concerned about her brother. Ever since that headache, he had been staring at one spot.

"Yeah, I'm fine, no need to worry," Liam answered her, debating whether he should tell her about the system. It would be good for someone else to know, but knowing her, she would probably try to persuade him not to use it.

"Good, got sick of your dumb face," Ava said, looking away, pretending like she didn't care about him anymore.

At least her comment made a few future cadets snort, finally breaking the silence.

Hearing some quiet laughter coming from the back, the two lieutenants in the front row looked at each other and nodded.

"Kids, if you're hungry and thirsty, feel free to have some food pills and water. Make sure to eat; we have a long road ahead of us," the female lieutenant spoke, taking two bags that were between her legs and handing them down to the closest kid.

Everyone looked up at the mention of food and water. There were growls coming from some teens, like raging thunder, with Liam winning the competition even though he had eaten four hours ago, unlike a few individuals who had been starving for twice as long.

At the back of the vehicle, there were two benches, with eight teens sitting opposite one another, four on each side.

When the kid who got the supplies placed them down in the middle of the group, everyone huddled down, trying to grab as much as they could for themselves, even though there was more than enough for everyone.

The only ones who didn't seem interested were the black-skinned boy with glasses, the one who was extremely nervous, and the girls.

[Daily Mission: Consume 4000 calories by midnight]

[Reward: 50XP, 1 random stat point]

[Penalty upon failure: Hunger levels will increase significantly. Additional consequences may apply.]

Liam ignored the message as if it wasn't there. There was no time to think since the food had finally arrived. It didn't matter in what shape or form, as long as it was edible.

"Pigs," the blonde girl clicked her tongue, looking down at the uncultured swines who were battling for food. But not her—she was too good for this kind of uncivilized behavior.

"I know, right," Ava added, glancing at the girl on her left. Being the only two females in a group of boys was exhausting.

The girl turned her head slightly toward Ava. The two girls had a clear line of sight since Liam was locked in the ongoing battle, trying to stash as much food as possible inside his pockets.

"Are you guys sure it's wise to let the nauseous guy eat?" the girl asked, pointing at Liam.

Her loud, authoritative, and clear voice caught the boys' attention, making them freeze in place.

They exchanged looks among themselves before finally uniting.

"Give me the food, dude," one of them said, staring at the biggest glutton among them.

"No," Liam hissed, taking a fistful of food pills.

"Look, we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Now give us the food," the guy with short, spiky hair and small black eyes spoke, ready to give him a good punch.

Ava pouted her lips as she observed the ongoing conflict. It was quite amusing, and no, she had no desire to help her brother this time. His always-hungry state had been getting on her nerves for years now.

Besides, even if all the food were gone, she could easily get some by delivering a few kicks.

"Good one," Ava smirked, approving the other's action.

"I know, right," the girl said, extending her fist so Ava could bump it. "The name's Linx, by the way."

"Ava."

The two continued to watch in amusement, but the entertainment had to come to an end after the transportation vehicle started making strange and sharp turns, causing everyone to stumble.

"Hold on tight!" the male lieutenant shouted while trying to keep the vehicle under control. They were under attack.

"Okay... now I'm gonna throw up..." Liam complained after feeling his stomach acid rising again.

Ava glanced toward the front window, her eyes widening after seeing a spider that was around a meter and a half tall, covered with gray fur and black stripes, jump in front of the transportation car.

Trying to avoid it, the lieutenant made a sharp turn, causing the vehicle to flip over.

Everyone started screaming at that point, except for the two girls who stayed calm and Liam, who was busy barfing over his future comrades.