Chapter 4: No Room for Mercy

Gunfire echoed through the steel corridors. Sparks flew as bullets ricocheted off rusted walls. The scavengers weren't professionals, but desperation made men reckless—and reckless men could still kill me.

I stayed low, rifle raised, heart pounding in my ears.

[System Notification: Hostiles Remaining – 2]

[Tactical Suggestion: Flank Left, Use Cover]

I moved quickly, using the shadows. They didn't know the layout. I did.

The third man—tall, wearing a tattered coat—was reloading behind a supply crate. He never saw me coming.

One pull of the trigger. A sharp, muffled crack.

He collapsed, blood pooling beneath him.

The last one ran.

I stepped out of cover, lined up my sights, and fired.

A distant thump as his body hit the frozen ground.

Silence.

My breath came in slow, measured gasps. My hands, steady. I had done this before.

[System Notification: All Hostiles Eliminated]

[Reward: Reinforced Perimeter + Increased Facility Security]

I exhaled, feeling the hum of the facility shift. The system was reinforcing my stronghold. This was mine now.

I scavenged what I could—bullets, food, and a torn map with handwritten markings. I stuffed it into my pack. I'd analyze it later.

For now, I had one job.

Survive.