The faint hum of the "Anomaly Detected: Faint Grey Remnant Signature" vibrated just beyond the crumbling stairwell, a chilling invitation deeper into the ravaged city. Alex’s grin, born of his successful Energy Push, had vanished, replaced by a grim line. "Higher concentration, huh? Or a source?" he murmured, looking at Verwel. The dog’s silver eyes were fixed on the darkness ahead, a low, inquisitive whine rumbling in his chest.
"You smell something, boy?" Alex asked, his voice low. He gripped the frying pan tighter, its familiar weight a small comfort in this insane new reality. The System was a tool, a bizarre, glowing lifeline, but the world was still a death trap. He was still just Alex, trying to survive. And the Grey Remnant was just beginning to show its true, terrifying face.
Verwel let out a sharp bark, then padded forward, his transformed claws clicking softly on the debris. Alex took a deep breath, the acrid scent of ozone and decay filling his lungs. "Alright, Verwel," he said, a determined glint in his eyes. "Let's see what else this new world has in store for us."
They moved cautiously, stepping over twisted rebar and shattered concrete. The stairwell opened into what must have once been a ground-floor lobby, now a cavernous expanse of ruin. Daylight, filtered through the swirling grey mist outside, cast an eerie, diffused glow, illuminating the skeletal remains of reception desks and overturned furniture. The air here was colder, heavier, and the oppressive hum of the Grey Remnant Signature intensified, a low thrum that resonated in Alex’s bones.
As they navigated the treacherous space, Alex’s Basic Analysis skill worked overtime. He spotted discarded emergency rations, a sealed water bottle, and even a heavy-duty work glove. Each time he focused, a blue information box popped up, offering a brief description. He quickly added the useful items to his backpack, grateful for the System’s practical applications.
"This is like a twisted scavenger hunt," Alex muttered, kicking aside a broken chair. "Except the prizes are survival, and the monsters are real."
Suddenly, Verwel tensed, his hackles rising. A low growl vibrated in his chest, deeper and more menacing than before. His silver eyes narrowed, fixed on a shadowy alcove near a collapsed elevator shaft.
[Threat Detected: Greater Grey Abomination (Corrupted Human)]
[Level: 5]
[Danger: High]
Alex’s breath hitched. A Level 5? His heart hammered against his ribs. He was still Level 1! This wasn't just a bigger version of the last one. This felt... different. More powerful. The creature that emerged from the shadows confirmed his fears. It was larger, its humanoid form more defined, yet still horribly twisted. Its skin was a darker, almost obsidian grey, and instead of twitching appendages, it had long, blade-like claws that gleamed ominously. Its eyes, multiple and glowing with malevolent intent, fixed on Alex.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Alex whispered, backing away slowly. "Verwel, stay back, boy. This one's... big."
But Verwel, ever loyal, let out a defiant bark, positioning himself slightly in front of Alex. The Greater Abomination let out a guttural roar, a sound that shook the very foundations of the ruined building, and charged.
"No, wait!" Alex yelled, but it was too late. Verwel, a silver blur, met the charge head-on. His shadow claws raked across the Abomination’s leg, but the creature barely flinched. It backhanded Verwel, sending the dog sprawling with a sickening thud against a concrete pillar.
"Verwel!" Alex screamed, a surge of pure rage overriding his fear. He saw the HP -5 notification flash above Verwel’s head. His loyal companion, hurt.
He didn't think. He just acted. The energy within him, the same hum he’d felt when he used Energy Push, surged. He focused it, not on pushing, but on striking. He needed to hit harder. He needed to hurt this thing.
[Hint: Repeatedly engaging in combat actions against stronger foes may unlock new combat skills.]
Combat skills? Alex thought, a desperate spark of hope igniting. He gripped the frying pan, the metal suddenly feeling like an extension of his own will. He charged, a primal yell tearing from his throat.
The Greater Abomination turned its attention to Alex, its blade-like claws swiping. Alex ducked, narrowly avoiding a decapitating blow, and swung the frying pan with all his might, aiming for its head. The blow landed with a clang that vibrated through his arms, but the creature only staggered slightly.
[Damage Dealt: 3]
[Experience Gained: 10 XP]
"Not enough!" Alex gritted out, his body screaming in protest. He dodged another swipe, the wind of its passing chilling his face. He needed more. He needed to hit harder. He needed...
[Skill Acquired: Enhanced Strike (Active)]
[Enhanced Strike: Expends 3 Energy. Infuses next melee attack with concentrated energy, increasing damage.]
"Yes!" Alex roared, a desperate, wild grin spreading across his face. "Enhanced Strike!"
He felt his Energy drop to 5/10. A shimmering, green aura enveloped the frying pan, making it hum with a terrifying power. The Greater Abomination lunged again, but this time, Alex met it. He swung the pan in a wide, powerful arc, aiming for the same spot he’d hit before.
The impact was deafening. The frying pan, infused with System energy, connected with the Abomination’s head with a sickening CRACK. The creature reeled, its dark grey skin cracking like ancient pottery, revealing the pulsating void beneath. It shrieked, a sound of agony, and stumbled, its movements becoming erratic.
[Damage Dealt: 15 (Critical Hit!)]
[Experience Gained: 20 XP]
Verwel, shaking off the impact, scrambled back to his feet, a low, furious growl rumbling in his throat. He launched himself at the staggering Abomination, his shadow claws tearing into the exposed cracks. The creature convulsed, its form flickering violently, and then, with a final, desperate wail, it dissolved into the swirling grey mist, leaving behind a larger, more vibrant shard.
[Threat Neutralized: Greater Grey Abomination (Corrupted Human)]
[Experience Gained: 70 XP]
[Item Dropped: Grey Shard (Medium)]
Alex leaned against a shattered pillar, panting, the frying pan clattering to the ground. His arms ached, his head still throbbed, but a wave of triumph washed over him. He had done it. He had beaten a Level 5.
[Alex Mercer]
[Level: 2 (10/200 XP)]
[Class: Unbound Survivor (Initial)]
[Strength: 6 (+1)]
[Dexterity: 7 (+1)]
[Constitution: 8 (+1)]
[Intelligence: 8]
[Wisdom: 7]
[Charisma: 4]
[Skills: Basic Analysis (Passive), Energy Push (Active), Enhanced Strike (Active)]
[Abilities: None (Yet)]
[Energy: 5/10]
"Level 2!" Alex exclaimed, a genuine, wide grin splitting his face. "And my stats went up! This is... this is actually working!" He knelt beside Verwel, checking the dog over. "You okay, boy? That was a nasty hit."
Verwel whined, nudging Alex’s hand, then licked it. His silver eyes, though still glowing, seemed less pained. Alex pulled out the Basic First-Aid Kit and carefully applied antiseptic to a small cut on Verwel’s flank.
He then picked up the Grey Shard (Medium). It pulsed with a stronger, more inviting light than the minor one.
[Item: Grey Shard (Medium)]
[Description: A larger fragment of crystallized Grey energy. Contains significant residual essence of a corrupted entity. Can be consumed for moderate Energy restoration or used in crafting (unknown recipes).]
"Moderate Energy restoration," Alex mused, looking at his depleted Energy bar. "Guess I know what this is for." He hesitated for a moment, then, with a shrug, popped the shard into his mouth. It had a strange, metallic taste, like rain on old iron, but as it dissolved, a warm current flowed through him.
[Energy: 10/10 (+5)]
"Whoa," Alex whispered, feeling the renewed vigor. "That's... efficient."
Verwel nudged him again, then looked towards the far end of the lobby, where the hum of the Grey Remnant Signature was now almost a palpable vibration. It was coming from a set of heavy, reinforced doors, half-buried in rubble.
"You think that's the source?" Alex asked, his voice filled with a new blend of apprehension and determination. He was stronger now, Level 2. He had a new skill. He had Verwel. But the feeling emanating from those doors was... immense.
He knew what he had to do. This wasn't just about surviving anymore. It was about understanding. It was about fighting back.
"Let's go, boy," Alex said, picking up the frying pan. "Time to see what’s behind door number one."