The moment Su Zhan heard the system's prompt- "System Upgrade: system space increased and Instance Dungeon Quest retention time extended"-he knew something fundamental had changed. Yet, as he surveyed his surroundings, there was no dramatic, outward transformation. Instead, the upgrade brought a subtle but powerful improvement: his system now included a spatial storage area of several dozen square meters. According to the system's explanation, he could now deposit anything he wished into this space-at least for now, anything except living humans. Most importantly, this storage was accessible anywhere, even within an Instance Dungeon Quest. That meant he could collect items or resources while inside a dungeon and bring them back to the real world upon leaving.
This was an incredibly valuable function. No longer would he need to worry about leaving behind rare items or treasures found in an instance; now, anything he acquired could be safely stored and retrieved later. As his adventures continued, this ability would become an invaluable asset, allowing him to accumulate resources, equipment, and research materials for his own use or to strengthen his future influence.
The second major upgrade was even more exciting: the Instance Dungeon Quest Retention Time had increased from a mere twelve hours to a full three days. This meant that the next time he entered an instance dungeon, he wouldn't be racing against the clock. He could explore, hunt, and strategize at his own pace, making the most of every opportunity the dungeon presented.
This was precisely why Su Zhan had suddenly decided to go off on his own for a few days-he was preparing to enter the instance dungeon again, this time with a clear plan and no need to rush. His target was still the "Push/Special Ability" instance, the world he'd previously visited. Last time, due to losing control, he had failed to acquire certain key abilities-telekinesis and mind control chief among them. Now, with more time and a better understanding of his powers, he intended to secure those abilities and, if possible, locate the organization's base to devour even more superpowers. Of course, he would be careful not to lose control again.
At the heart of the "Push" universe was the R gene serum-a new genetic drug that only a select few could survive. For most, it was lethal, but the organization also possessed a more basic gene serum, which had allowed them to create an army of superpowered individuals. If Su Zhan could get his hands on this serum, he would have the chance to study it, perhaps even mass-produce it in the future. While it wasn't as potent as Extremis, the Centipede Virus, or the Super Soldier Serum, the R gene serum was stable and reliable. For the foundation of his own future influence, it would be a tremendous asset.
He knew S.H.I.E.L.D. would likely be watching him, but Su Zhan didn't care. He checked into a random hotel, entered the stairwell, and activated the system to enter the instance dungeon.
In an instant, Su Zhan vanished from the staircase.
Moments later, he materialized in the familiar world of the "Push" instance dungeon, right where he had left off. The area was deserted Pop Girl was nowhere to be seen, and even the bodies from his last visit had vanished. Time had clearly passed.
Su Zhan's first priority was to find Pop Girl. Not only did he want to recover the foreknowledge ability, but he also felt he owed her some explanation for what had happened the last time. Unfortunately, his own precognition wasn't strong or precise enough to locate her directly. Instead, he caught glimpses of the main character, Nick, who was now hiding out with the female protagonist, Kira, and the young prophet Cassie-the very girl whose ability Su Zhan had previously taken. To his surprise, they had managed to regroup, and Cassie, now powerless, was struggling to help them evade the organization's relentless pursuit. The gene serum was in their possession, and they were on the run.
"Never thought they'd end up together so soon. Well, that saves me some trouble," Su Zhan mused, smiling as he set off in pursuit.
In a small, dimly lit inn, Nick, Kira, and Cassie huddled together, exhausted from their desperate attempts to stay ahead of the organization. Cassie, no longer able to see the future, felt helpless. The loss of her prophetic power made every decision more dangerous, every escape more uncertain.
Suddenly, a loud knock echoed through the room, sending a jolt of fear through all three. Nick motioned for silence and drew his gun, creeping toward the door.
Before he could react, the door burst open with a crash, and two men strode in-a tall, imposing black man and a Caucasian subordinate. The black man was the organization's leader, the very man who had murdered Nick's father and possessed the terrifying power of mind control. His subordinate, like Nick, wielded telekinesis.
"Well, well, you're harder to catch than I thought. Aren't you supposed to be a prophet, Cassie? Didn't you see this coming?" the leader taunted, not realizing Cassie had lost her ability.
Cassie, trying to bluff, replied, "I saw it. I saw you dying here tonight."
The leader laughed, unconvinced. "Is that so? I doubt I'll die here. Here's the deal: hand over the serum and come with us, or you all die."
A new voice cut through the tension. "Sorry to interrupt, but I'm afraid that serum is coming with me. Which means you won't be getting it tonight."
All eyes turned as Su Zhan stepped into the room, his presence commanding and calm. The leader spun around, eyes narrowing. "Who the hell are you? Are you with the Vampires?"
(TL: The Vampires here doesn't mean the real Vampire but the Gang in Hong Kong that Pop Girl and her family belongs to.)
"Who I am doesn't matter," Su Zhan replied, his gaze cold and unwavering. "What matters is that the young lady was right-you're not leaving here alive."
As the others stared in shock, Su Zhan raised his hand. Flames erupted instantly, his entire arm transforming into a raging inferno. The heat and light filled the room, casting wild shadows on the walls and sending a wave of dread through his enemies.
This time, Su Zhan was ready. With his new system upgrades, extended time, and spatial storage, he was determined to claim every power this world had to offer-and nothing would stand in his way.