In the vastness of the void that seemed to be his domain, Sol extended a luminous hand toward the emptiness. His fingers, glowing like a thousand suns, danced with an almost divine precision. Golden energy spread around him, creating shimmering filaments that seemed to search for something through space and time.
Sol (smiling, eyes gleaming with calculated mischief):
"Let's see if your feats still hold against those you've taken down, bearer."
In a split second, the golden energy reached its target: the area around the karaoke bar where the 20 zombies had been destroyed, as well as the place where the special zombie had perished under Hayden's katana. Not far from there, the tragic memory of Lila, the young girl who had succumbed to the zombies, was also anchored in this space. Sol whispered softly, his voice echoing endlessly across the dimension:
Sol:
"Rise again, creatures of the past. Return in a form even death could not contain."
The golden particles poured over the karaoke grounds. At first, there was nothing—only the heavy silence of the deserted location. But suddenly, the ground began to tremble slightly. Where the bodies had been destroyed, a strange aura manifested, marking the return of the 20 zombies in a different form.
The Reanimated Zombies
These creatures were no longer the same. Their skin, once rotting and dull, now bore a pale golden tint. Their movements, previously sluggish and erratic, had become fluid—almost calculated. They seemed to have gained intelligence and coordination.
As for the special zombie, his reanimation was even more impressive. His already massive musculature was now enhanced by golden energy veins pulsing across his grayish skin. His eyes glowed with a sinister light—clear proof of Sol's direct influence.
Lila, the Returned
Lila, on the other hand, emerged from a dark corner near the karaoke bar. Her appearance was deeply disturbing: her face, marked by her tragic death, still bore the traces of her desperate struggle against the zombies. And yet, her golden eyes shone with a consciousness that set her apart from the others. Unlike the zombies, she seemed to have returned with a part of her humanity intact, though clearly under the influence of Sol's will.
Lila (whispering, as if waking from a long sleep):
"Where… am I? Why am I… here again?"
Her voice trembled, but an invisible force pushed her to rise, to walk among the other reanimated creatures. She seemed torn between the awareness of her past and the control imposed by the golden energy.
Sol, watching from his domain
From his plane of existence, Sol observed the results of his work with satisfaction.
Sol (speaking to himself):
"Perfect. They haven't just returned. They're stronger, more resilient… and more interesting. And that young girl, Lila… What irony, isn't it? A victim turned into a tool. Perhaps she'll stir something in the bearer and his companions."
He let out a light laugh before setting his radiant gaze on the scene.
Sol:
"Rest well, Hayden. Enjoy your day off. I'm giving you a reason not to forget who makes the rules in this game."
Meanwhile, Hayden's Group
After two weeks of intense training, Hayden's group had decided to take a well-deserved day off. Each of them chose to relax in their own way. It was September 27th, 2020.
Hayden was in his room reading manga, his katana resting in a corner—almost as if he knew he might need it at any moment.
Katie lounged in the gym, listening to music and thinking about how much she had improved.
Mary studied books on biology and human anatomy, trying to better understand the potential modifications of the human body—intrigued by the system's effects.
Flora, always cheerful and sunny, was in the library enjoying novels and comics, carefree in the face of imminent danger.
William, true to his discreet nature, was enjoying tea in a quiet corner, reflecting on recent events.
Blue, meanwhile, remained vigilant within Hayden's shared consciousness, sensing a strange disturbance without fully understanding its origin.
Blue (in Hayden's mind):
"Something's off. I can't quite put my finger on it yet, but… stay on guard. This peace won't last."
The Calm Before the Storm
In the shadows, Sol waited patiently. His golden creatures—reanimated and amplified—stood ready to act. The karaoke bar, once the battleground for Hayden and his group's first encounter, was about to become a stage of chaos once more. And this time, the trials would be far more difficult.
The Mysterious Gift
Each group member received a strange object, appearing out of nowhere in the place they were in. The weapons materialized as if by magic, their origin and purpose as mysterious as the system itself.
Mary and the Drone
In her room, reading a book on human anatomy, Mary jumped when a soft buzzing sound filled the air. Turning her head, she saw a small drone floating before her—light and silent, as if waiting for her. Though compact, it seemed advanced, its quiet rotors spinning with eerie precision. It looked more like a strategic tool than anything decorative.
Mary (curious):
"A drone? But… why here?"
Before she could examine it further, a familiar voice echoed in her head:
Blue (in Mary's mind):
"This isn't just any object. I detected it as a weapon—an aid meant to increase your reconnaissance and observation capabilities. It can also be used to distract or scout at a distance."
She stared at it a moment, already calculating its possible applications. Though it didn't enhance her stats, she knew it would be a valuable asset.
Flora and the Staff
In the library, Flora was immersed in a novel, smiling as she turned the pages. But as she flipped to the next one, she felt a vibration beneath her feet. Rising, she noticed an old-looking wooden staff resting in front of her.
Flora (surprised):
"A staff, huh… feels a bit basic, doesn't it?"
Upon grabbing it, she immediately felt a link form between herself and the object. Though neither heavy nor ornate, the staff held a certain balance. It was as if, by touching it, she felt more in control of her body—an extension of her will.
Blue (in Flora's mind):
"This staff is just a tool, but it will enhance your focus and coordination. It's not the object's power that matters—but how you use it."
Flora nodded, feeling a fresh surge of energy. It didn't boost her stats, but it became part of her.
Katie and the Gauntlets & Greaves
In the gym, where Katie was working out alone to stay in shape, a pair of steel gauntlets and greaves appeared before her. They were perfectly crafted—solid and protective, with refined yet practical details.
Katie (grinning):
"Not bad at all… this is solid stuff."
She put them on immediately, feeling the raw strength they seemed to provide. The gauntlets fit her wrists perfectly, and the steel greaves wrapped snugly around her legs, as if tailor-made. Though the equipment didn't directly boost her stats, Katie felt a rise in energy—a new confidence in her movement.
Blue (in Katie's mind):
"These pieces enhance your defense and impact resistance. They adapt to your nature."
Katie clenched her fists, already imagining how they'd help her push her limits in battle.
William and the Steel Chain
In a quiet corner of the cafeteria, while William was enjoying his tea, a long steel chain coiled itself around the nearby table. At first glance it looked ordinary, but upon grabbing it, a strange warmth ran up his arm. The metal was solid and heavy, yet offered perfect control.
William (eying the chain thoughtfully):
"A chain… Fine. This could be useful."
It added nothing to his base stats, but William knew it would provide great flexibility in close combat—allowing him to capture or immobilize enemies with precision.
Blue (in William's mind):
"This chain is a weapon of manipulation and control. It doesn't boost your base attributes, but it grants tactical advantage."
William turned the chain in his hands, already thinking of ways to use it effectively.
Blue's Explanation
Once all members had received their weapons, Blue addressed them through their shared mental link, explaining the situation.
Blue (calm and thoughtful):
"These objects don't directly increase your stats—but they're extensions of your abilities. They're tailored to your nature and skillset. I believe Sol—or someone else—wanted to see how you'd use them. They don't grant raw power, but they're crucial for your evolution."
As he spoke, Blue seemed focused on something else—a heavy pressure in the air, a looming threat growing stronger.
Blue (murmuring to himself):
"Something big is coming… and we have to be ready."
Each member looked at their weapon, feeling more connected to the whole, even if the changes were subtle. It wouldn't be brute strength that led them to victory, but how they used what was given to them.
Gathering in the Gym
After the surprise of the weapons and Blue's explanation, the group gathered in the gym—their usual meeting point for strategy and training. This time, the goal was clear: they had to set up a combat formation and make the most of their new tools.
Combat Formation
Frontline: Hayden and Katie
Hayden, with his katana and precise, powerful fighting style, was naturally placed in the front. His mastery of Instant Slash and his high strength, agility, and endurance made him a key offensive asset.
Katie, equipped with her steel gauntlets and greaves, perfectly complemented Hayden. Her ability to take and return devastating blows made her an indispensable shield and hammer in melee combat.
Objective: Neutralize dangerous enemies quickly and protect the more vulnerable team members.
Midline: William and Flora
William, with his steel chain, brought control and precision. The chain allowed him to immobilize, disarm, or slow down enemies while maintaining some distance.
Flora, armed with her staff, was highly versatile. She used her speed and agility to control the battlefield, support the frontline, and push back threats.
Objective: Maintain battlefield balance, manage space, and support the frontline as needed.
Backline: Mary
Mary, with her drone, was the team's strategic mind. Her role was to analyze surroundings, detect hidden enemies, and assess environmental dangers. Though a non-combatant, her intelligence and logic allowed the group to operate efficiently.
Objective: Monitor and guide the others with valuable intel while remaining safely in the rear.
Group Discussion
After setting up the formation, Hayden turned to the others to make sure everyone agreed.
Hayden (pointing to the diagram on the board):
"So, here's the plan. Katie and I handle the big guys. William and Flora, you make sure we don't get overwhelmed. And Mary—you keep an eye on anything we might miss."
Katie (lightly tapping her gauntlets):
"Sounds good to me. As long as we stay coordinated, we've got this."
Flora (with a cheeky grin):
"I'm ready to dart around, as always! If someone's looking for me—they'll have to catch me first."
William (calm and collected):
"This role suits me. The chain should be perfect for restraining or delaying anyone trying to flank us."
Mary (adjusting her drone):
"And I'll make sure you don't get caught off guard. Trust me—I'll spot the cracks before they become problems."
Conclusion
This formation plays to each member's strengths and unique abilities, allowing them to work as a cohesive unit and maximize their effectiveness.
Frontline: Hayden and Katie are the physical powerhouses.
Midline: William and Flora ensure battlefield control and support.
Backline: Mary monitors and manages the big picture.
With this organization, the group felt ready to face the challenges ahead. But they knew every battle would be a chance to learn and adapt.