Max and the other four quickly suspected why the Reapers had appeared. Supposedly, they still had two more days under the Beginner Protection Zone. But when they had followed the Guard’s instructions to observe the Reaper and the Transporter that dumped garbage, the system notified them that their protection was gone. That protection had likely been the only thing keeping the Reapers from exploring further or lurking near the shelter. Without it, the machines were free to patrol the garbage fields above since their presence was no longer being restricted. The resource gatherer spoke nervously as he explained what he had seen. "They weren’t alone. There was something new... four-legged, moving like a beast! It looked like a wolf!" Corin ’s eyes widened in shock. "A Hound?! Why are beastframes here?! They’ve never checked this area before." Max had never heard about the Hound or the Beastframes at all. However, that was not important right now. Aya clenched her fists as she

[ You have leveled up! ][ Level: 2 ][ Health Points +10 ][ Spirit Points +2 ][ Physique Rating has slightly improved! ][ Inventory Slots Expanded: +1 ]From this part, Max had to pause as he didn’t understand the physique rating. It hadn’t been mentioned before.As for the Inventory Slot, it seemed that it was related to the fact that he could finally store something within his inventory!Although it was just one slot, it was already amazing. After all, he knew that this would improve even more as he continued levelling up.[ New Feature Unlocked: Physique Rating ][ Current Physique: E ][ Description: Physique Rating measures overall body condition, including strength, endurance, agility, and resilience. ][ Note: Rating improves through various methods, including training, medicine consumption, leveling, and others. ]Max finally realized why his Status only had Health and Spirit Points and no Strength, Agility, or other stats like in many games he had seen before. It was ac

Max was definitely happy to be the first Level 5 Survivor. It was a great achievement, and he really wanted to brag about it. But he was also curious about the other types of Gene Enhancement Serums out there. Considering he had to wait so long to level up using the Alpha version of the Serum, he believed there might actually be a Beta version that could grant better Experience Points or even greater Stat Increases. Rumble! However, the sudden earthquake disrupted his thoughts. He couldn’t even share the good news with everyone. Suddenly, Corin burst into the chamber. He paused to catch his breath, his eyes darting across the room. Max and the others could tell immediately that this was not going to be good news. "They’ve found us!" he shouted. "Two Reapers and two Hounds... they destroyed the tunnel entrance with that advanced rifle. Our scout... he didn’t make it back. Either captured or forced to lead them here." The room fell silent for a moment. This was a very imp

"He wants to see us?" Aya frowned. "Is it for revenge?" Jett asked. Max was curious too. Corin had already told them about the Elder, but they had never seen him. Since arriving at Haven‑45, the old man had remained hidden in the lowest chamber, sustained only by dextrose drips, medical devices, and the constant care of attendants. "Hmm... We killed his three sons, Keagan, Julian, and Damon... so it’s not surprising that he wants to meet us," Xander muttered. Now that he was Level 4, he felt a lot more confident. He didn’t really mind going together to meet the mysterious Elder. "Well, maybe he didn’t know his sons had hoarded the golden liquid, feeding only themselves and their chosen allies. Their arrogance left the shelter weak... They were even brave enough to order that guard to harm us. It’s messed up." Aya muttered. Max shook his head and turned directly to Dustin. "Is he mad? Do you know why he’s calling for us?" Dustin paused for a moment, recalling the Elder’s

Aya had actually shielded Max with her body. Her Physical Strength Talent allowed her to absorb the brunt of the shock, and she seemed perfectly fine. In the meantime, Xander coughed violently as he inhaled dust and smoke. "Damn it! The old man wanted revenge in the end." Ryan cursed, dragging Jett toward the corridor. For several minutes, the corridor was filled with coughing, groans, and the sound of debris settling. Dust hung thick in the air, choking their lungs and stinging their eyes. Max forced himself upright, his ears still ringing. His body ached from the blast, but his Level 5 stats gave him resilience. The pain dulled quickly as his muscles stabilized faster than any ordinary survivor could manage. He then noticed that Aya was already on her feet, brushing dust from her arms, her Talent certainly made her recovery just as swift. Xander , Ryan , and Jett also seemed shaken but alive. Their quick retreat saved them from the worst of the blast. ’Good...’ Ma