3 Echoes of the Hive
With our unlikely alliance now in place, the Red Queen quickly equipped me with the tools necessary for survival: access to the Hive's security systems, a map highlighting infected zones, and surveillance feeds. The depth of her dominion over the Hive was evident.
"Your initial step, Mr. Jameson, is the immediate vicinity of this room. Several infected personnel pose a threat. Arm yourself."
I nodded, apprehensively summoning the Gamer system's interface, and as if in response to the situation and the Red Queen's directive:
NEW QUEST – Clearing the Hall
Infected threats lurk nearby. Secure the area to ensure safe access to the next critical zone.
Objective: Eliminate the immediate infected threats.
Progress: 0/20 Infected Eliminated
Reward: 500 EP
Before venturing out, I quickly reviewed my only skill, "Novice Melee Proficiency – Level 1." It promised enhanced effectiveness with melee weapons – perfect for my current armament.
Novice Melee Proficiency - Level 1
The user is gaining an understanding of melee combat through initial experiences.
Level 1: Increases melee attack accuracy by 5%.
My stats portrayed me as an everyman, a far cry from any action hero:
Strength (STR): 7
Perception (PER): 12
Endurance (END): 10
Intelligence (INT): 12
Agility (AGI): 7
Yet, these weren't constraints but baselines to grow from. The past had its place, but it was the future I was fighting for.
The Guillotine Arm beckoned from its resting spot. A primitive tool, yet in these dire times, a lethal one. Holding it brought a tinge of confidence.
Advancing cautiously into the hallway, heightened senses caught the distant groans of the infected.
Their proximity wasn't lost on me. As the first grotesque group came into view, I steeled myself and brandished the Guillotine Arm, each swing testament not just to my newfound skill but my will to survive.
NEW QUEST – Clearing the Hall
Infected threats lurk nearby. Secure the area to ensure safe access to the next critical zone.
Objective: Eliminate the immediate infected threats.
Progress: 1/20 Infected Eliminated
Reward: 500 EP
One down, many more to go. I continued my grim work, dispatching the infected with calculated strikes. Each swing of the Guillotine Arm was precise, a testament to my determination and my steadily increasing proficiency.
SKILL UPDATE: Melee Proficiency (Lv. 2)
With each confrontation, I felt more in sync with my tool of choice. Minutes felt like hours, each moment a battle of wit and reflex. The Guillotine Arm danced, my determination its guide.
The underlying question still loomed: Who was behind the T-Virus release? Though paramount, survival took precedence for the moment.
NEW QUEST – Clearing the Hall
Infected threats lurk nearby. Secure the area to ensure safe access to the next critical zone.
Objective: Eliminate the immediate infected threats.
Progress: 15/20 Infected Eliminated
Reward: 500 EP
The infected, though relentless, dwindled with my efforts. With the last threat neutralized, I took a brief moment of respite, aware of the looming challenges.
QUEST COMPLETED – Clearing the Hall
Infected threats lurk nearby. Secure the area to ensure safe access to the next critical zone.
Objective: Eliminate the immediate infected threats. (X)
Reward: 500 EP
SKILL UPDATE: Melee Proficiency (Lv. 3)
It was imperative to regroup with the Red Queen. Together, we'd uncover the larger machinations at play within the Hive. Our alliance remained tenuous but vital.
"Mr. Jameson, you've managed to clear the immediate vicinity," the Red Queen observed, her voice steady but with a subtle hint of surprise. "A commendable effort."
The Red Queen's voice held a hint of urgency. "Time is of the essence, Mr. Jameson."
The toll of the situation was hitting hard. "I could use a moment's respite. This isn't exactly in my job description."
A digital pause, followed by her response, "Understood. However, remember time is not on our side. A prolonged break could prove... problematic."
Leaning against the cold, sterile metal wall of the Hive, my makeshift weapon bore the marks of my recent skirmishes. How did I end up in this dire scenario?
Pondering my situation, a thought crossed my mind. "This facility had security. There has to be an armory."
"There is," the Red Queen confirmed, a hint of dryness in her tone. "Had you proceeded without this... detour, you might have been en route."
Pushing myself upright, my resolve strengthened, "Then let's not waste any more time. Direct me."
NEW QUEST - Armory Expedition
In a place built for order now ruled by chaos, the armory may be the key to evening the odds.
Objective 1: Clear the path to the Hive's armory.
Objective 2: Access the armory and secure suitable equipment.
Progress:
0/10 Infected Eliminated
0/1 Armory Accessed
Reward: 750 EP
The Red Queen's guidance, paired with her sporadic dry remarks, provided an odd comfort.
The Red Queen's voice chimed in, her tone as even as ever. "There's a group of infected approaching your location. I suggest a strategy, Mr. Jameson."
Narrowing my eyes, I quickly assessed the environment. "I'm all ears, Red Queen."
"Use the narrow passage to your left. It will funnel them, limiting their numbers."
Following her advice, I positioned myself strategically. As the first infected came into view, I swung the Guillotine Arm with deadly precision. One by one, they fell, but the battle was exhausting.
Quest Update: Armory Expedition
In a place built for order now ruled by chaos, the armory may be the key to evening the odds.
Objective 1: Clear the path to the Hive's armory.
Objective 2: Access the armory and secure suitable equipment.
Progress:
5/10 Infected Eliminated
0/1 Armory Accessed
Reward: 750 EP
"Halfway there," I muttered to myself.
A pause from the Red Queen. Instead of a direct response, she noted the odd precision of Jameson's count.
The path ahead seemed clearer until I approached the armory's thick reinforced door. As it slid open, infected security personnel lunged forward. These weren't ordinary Hive employees but trained security officers. Their movements were more deliberate, their attacks coordinated.
I took a deep breath and charged in, dodging a strike from one and parrying another's lunge. Using the Guillotine Arm, I kept them at bay, relying on my recently acquired melee skills. It was a fierce ballet of swings, ducks, and counter-attacks.
Finally, after what felt like hours, the room was clear.
Quest Completed: Armory Expedition
You've successfully cleared the armory and gained access. Arm up, cowboy.
Objective 1: Clear the path to the Hive's armory.
Objective 2: Access the armory and secure suitable equipment.
Progress:
10/10 Infected Eliminated
1/1 Armory Accessed
Reward: 750 EP
Skill Update: Melee Proficiency (Lv. 4)
Once the room was cleared, I turned my attention to the armory's contents: firearms, ammunition, protective gear, and melee weapons. Not experienced with guns, I opted for a pump-action shotgun and a handgun as a backup. Each had its own tactical advantage.
Primary Ranged Weapon: Remington 870
A 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, optimized for close-quarters with its 18-inch barrel. Holds 4 to 6 shells, its action sound is unmistakably intimidating.
Damage: 40-60 (close range), 20-40 (mid range), 5-20 (long range)
Secondary Ranged Weapon: Beretta 92FS
A reliable 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a 15-round magazine. Its open-slide design aids in faster cartridge ejection.
Damage: 20-30 (close range), 15-25 (mid range), 10-20 (long range)
Next, I turned to the melee weapons. There was a variety of choices: a retractable baton and a sturdy combat knife. They would come in handy in close-quarters combat where firearms might not be as effective.
Primary Melee Weapon: Extendable Baton
A compact steel device. With a flick, it extends, becoming a fast and formidable melee weapon.
Damage: 8-12
Secondary Melee Weapon: M9 Bayonet Combat Knife
A 7-inch high carbon stainless steel blade. One side is serrated, the other sharp, making it versatile for close combat and utility tasks.
Damage: 12-18
Finally, I picked up a set of lightweight riot gear. The black armor bore the unmistakable Umbrella logo and was designed to protect my chest, back, and limbs; there's even a pair of boots. It felt reassuringly sturdy yet didn't hinder my mobility.
As I donned the armor, the Gamer System chimed in:
Head Armor: Umbrella Corp. Riot Helmet
A sturdy helmet with a clear visor. Ensures protection while maximizing visibility. Branded with the red Umbrella Corp. logo.
Defense: +10
Passive Skill: Clear Vision - Visor reduces blinding effects by 50%.
Torso Armor: Umbrella Corp. Riot Chest Protector
Designed to protect against bites, this sleek piece offers a balance between flexibility and defense.
Defense: +20
Passive Skill: Vital Guard - Reduces the chance of receiving critical damage by 15%.
Forearm Armor: Umbrella Corp. Riot Forearm Guards
Secured with adjustable straps, these guards offer protection against bites and scratches.
Defense: +10
Passive Skill: Block Master - Increases block efficiency by 10%.
Hand Armor: Reinforced Riot Gloves
Durable gloves with fortified knuckles and a non-slip grip for weapon handling.
Defense: +5
Passive Skill: Firm Grip - Increases melee weapon stability and reduces the chance of being disarmed.
Leg Armor: Umbrella Corp. Riot Shin Guards
Protects against low lunges and bites, consistent with the rest of the armor set.
Defense: +10
Passive Skill: Swift Step - Reduces movement speed penalties from injuries by 10%.
Foot Armor: Umbrella Corp. Tactical Boots
High-top, reinforced boots with an anti-slip sole for hazardous environments.
Defense: +5
Passive Skill: Sturdy Step - Improves balance and footing, reducing the chance of being knocked down or tripped. Increases sprint speed by 10%.
Umbrella Corp. Riot Armor Set Bonus (6/6):
Umbrella's Shield: Increases overall armor defense by 10%. Reduces damage taken from infected by 5%.
"You're better equipped now, Mr. Jameson," the Red Queen's voice broke my momentary relief. "But always remember: caution is key."
With my new gear, and a deep breath to steady myself, I stepped back into the corridors of the Hive, ready to confront its next challenge.
