Just twenty minutes after the drone strike, the group approached a steep rock formation, covered in moss and thick ivy, hidden deep in the most remote part of the forest. It was the entrance to an old, abandoned coal mine, fortified by Erik years before.
But before they could reach the camouflaged iron door, the sound of boots crunching in the dry foliage echoed behind them. A mini-squad of three mercenaries hired by Utrax had cut a path through the slopes, blocking the only escape route to the mine.
"Ambush from the rear!" growled Erik, raising his rifle.
"Leave it to me and Hanna," said Arthur, his voice cold and calculating, feeling the system's energy flow guiding his instincts.
Hanna looked at Arthur with a glint of absolute understanding in her eyes. Without saying a word, the two split up in opposite directions, disappearing into the shadows of the trees before the mercenaries could focus on their targets.
The first mercenary raised his lantern, trying to track movement in the fog. A dry thud came from the left. He swung his weapon, but it was a distraction.
Hanna descended silently from a high branch, landing on his back and neutralizing him with a quick, silent strike.
The second mercenary fired blindly into the darkness. But Arthur, using his [Firearms Mastery Rank C+], calculated the echo's trajectory off the rock and fired a single precise shot that struck the enemy's weapon, knocking it from his hand, followed by a direct blow to the chest that threw him unconscious against a pine tree trunk.
The last mercenary tried to retreat, but found the barrel of Arthur's pistol pointed directly at the middle of his eyes.
"End of the line," Arthur said coldly.
[Clean and coordinated tactical rear clearance successfully executed.] Proficiency gained: +4. [Talent Multiplier 100x Activated!] Proficiency gained: +400!
[Evolved Skill: Tactical Empathy / Behavior Reading (Rank D-) ➔ Evolved to (Rank D+)] (Effect: Keen anticipation of hostile intentions, instant reading of microexpressions, and coordinated team reactions.)
Silence returned to the forest. Erik approached, sheathing his weapon and looking impressed at the impeccable synchronicity with which Arthur and Hanna had dismantled the enemy patrol in seconds.
Hanna walked to Arthur's side, looking at the fallen enemies and then gazing at his face. She reached out, lightly touching his shoulder to check for any scratches—an extremely rare gesture of affection and concern from the girl who had been raised as a cold weapon.
Arthur smiled slightly at her, returning the gesture with a calm nod. Mutual trust was fully established.
“Excellent work, you two,” said Erik, finally opening the heavy iron door of the abandoned mine. “Come in. We’re safe here… for now.”
The heavy door slammed shut with a heavy metallic clang, isolating the group from the outside world. They were finally in the shelter, ready to plan the next steps in the war against Marissa Wiegler and Project Utrax.
[HOST STATUS] Name: Arthur Vance Level: 7 Class: Ex-Guard / Elite Tactical Survivor
[ATTRIBUTES]
Strength: C+
Agility: B
Stamina: C+
Perception: C+
Intelligence: D
[SKILLS]
Firearms Mastery (Rank C+): Refined tactical precision, absolute recoil control, and predictive shots on the move.
Military Hand-to-Hand Combat (Rank C): Absolute mastery in close combat and lethal submissions.
Extreme Survival (Rank D): Stable resistance to arid environments, dense forests, and fatigue.
Tactical Empathy / Behavior Reading (Rank D+): Accurate anticipation of hostile intentions and coordinated team reactions.
Social Engineering / Civic Disguise (Rank D): Ability to blend into civilian environments without raising suspicion.
[INNAVY TALENT]
Multiplier 100x (Active): Multiplies all experience, proficiency, and gains obtained by the host by one hundred.