The scorching sun loomed high over the bustling city of Lucknow, its rays reflecting off the glassy facades of towering skyscrapers and casting long shadows onto the busy streets below. Among the chaotic honking of cars and the clamor of vendors, Kartik Malhotra made his way to a place few dared to tread—a sprawling junkyard on the city's outskirts. Hidden from the polished sheen of the modern metropolis, this wasteland of discarded machinery and forgotten tech was where Kartik had spent countless days scavenging for parts to survive.At 22, Kartik had already seen more hardship than most. Orphaned at a young age and raised in a crumbling orphanage, he had learned to fend for himself early on. His lean frame, calloused hands, and sharp features bore the marks of a life forged in struggle. But it was his eyes—dark, intelligent, and unwavering—that truly set him apart. They were the eyes of someone who refused to give up, no matter how stacked the odds.Today was no

The encrypted message lingered in Kartik’s mind like a ghost. “You are not alone.” Those four words haunted his thoughts, filling him with equal parts curiosity and dread. Who had sent the message? How had they found him? And most importantly, what did they want?He couldn’t let the mystery distract him from his immediate goals. The Infinite Upgrade System had already revolutionized his life, but its true potential remained untapped. Kartik needed answers, but first, he needed to solidify his foundation. The stakes were too high to proceed recklessly.The next morning, Kartik woke early, his resolve steeled. The first rays of sunlight streamed through his window, illuminating the room he had transformed into a workshop. Scout hovered nearby, its sensors whirring softly as it scanned for tasks. Kartik activated the system and opened the new set of options unlocked by the previous upgrade. The interface displayed:Cognitive ExpansionAdvanced Mechan

The morning after the mission, Kartik awoke to the faint hum of the Haven’s machinery. The previous night’s events still weighed heavily on his mind, especially the decision to spare the guard. As he sat up on his cot, he found himself lost in thought, questioning his choices and the path he’d chosen.The wrist-mounted device buzzed softly, snapping him out of his reverie. A message from Arjun flickered onto the holographic screen:“Briefing in ten minutes. Training Hall. Don’t be late.”With a groan, Kartik got up and prepared himself. The Haven’s training hall was one of the largest areas in the base, equipped with state-of-the-art simulation technology designed to push operatives to their limits. Kartik had been spending most of his free time here, honing the skills the system had enhanced.The ChallengeWhen Kartik arrived, Arjun was waiting alongside Priya and Naveen. The mood in the room was noticeably tense. Arjun gestured for Kart