The Caffeine System: Critical Heart Protocol

Chapter 12: Heart Level Upgrade

'Is it possible they came here because of the smell of coffee?' Raka thought confusedly.

The dripping sound became faster and more urgent. The sharp sour smell was now so thick that it made Raka's eyes water. Behind the ventilation grille, small red eyes flickered.

Raka didn't wait for them to leave. Two days of recovery had given him more than just a healed leg; it had given him time to think.

“Baginda, up!” he ordered in a low and firm voice.

The swan flapped its wings and flew upward. It perched on one of the highest washing machines, out of reach. Raka himself grabbed a thick plastic tarp he found in the corner and slowly backed to the other end of the room, crowbar in hand.

The ventilation grill finally broke free from the ceiling with a metallic screech. From the gaping hole, the creatures fell. They were small, no larger than a large rat, with pale, smooth, hairless skin. Their bodies resembled those of a lizard, but with jaws that could open wide. From those jaws dripped a corrosive liquid.

“A mutant lizard?” he whispered, seeing the creature’s body shape.

They landed on the floor and hissed in unison. As if on command, they charged at Raka simultaneously.

Raka is ready. As they approached, he swung the plastic tarp like a bullfighter and swept it across the floor. The little creatures ran right over him.

With a powerful tug, Raka lifted the tarp and wrapped the dozen acid monsters in a single bundle. He could feel them struggling and spitting against the inside of the tarp. Because the tarp was thick, the corrosive liquid spewing from the monsters' mouths couldn't penetrate it.

“Gotcha,” he hissed.

He slammed the bundle against the wall repeatedly until the movement inside stopped, then threw it into a corner.

Because of the coffee, adrenaline, and training he did for two days, his abilities and courage increased.

After the minor threat was overcome, he finally gave himself a small reward. With a portable grinder in hand, he ground a handful of Gayo Arabica beans. The aroma of fresh coffee filled the air, finally dispelling the sour smell.

Raka brewed it carefully, a ritual he found sacred in the face of the end of the world.

“It’s so delicious,” he whispered as he took a sip of the thick black liquid.

A different warmth flowed through him. He didn't think it was the panic-inducing jolt of instant coffee. It was a controlled power. He felt focused and stronger.

A blue notification appeared in front of him, this time without any mocking tone at all.

[Physiological Adaptation Detected. High-quality caffeine intake has triggered system evolution.]

[Congratulations, Host. Your heart has been upgraded.]

[Caffeine Heart Level 1 upgraded to Caffeine Heart Level 2]

- Maximum BPM Safe Limit: 180 to 200

- Base 'Bullet Time' Effect Duration: increased by 3 Seconds

- Fuel Efficiency: Increased by 15% (Daily caffeine requirement slightly reduced)

A faint smile appeared on Raka's lips as he read the writing carefully.

“Upgrade, huh?” He nodded slowly and clenched his fists.

Raka could feel a new strength pulsing beneath his skin, his heart beating at a stronger, steadier rhythm.

“Good,” he said happily. “This is very good.”

He got up, feeling more prepared than ever. It was time to leave the shop he'd occupied for two days.

Raka walked to the door, looking at the street which was now starting to dry after the rain had stopped. That's when he heard something.

Ting… ting…

A strange and out-of-place sound. The rhythmic chime of a small bell came from down the street. It wasn't a cat with a collar.

Raka narrowed his eyes. A Sleeper figure was walking slowly down the street. But this Sleeper was different. He was taller, thinner, and his movements were more graceful, like a model walking on a catwalk .

Hanging from the Sleeper's long neck was a large, rusted bronze bell. It jingled softly with each step the monster took.

[Warning! Detected Mini-Boss: 'The Bellringer'!]

[Function: Guidance Unit. Its bell is capable of emitting low-frequency sonic waves to summon and coordinate all Sleepers within a two-kilometer radius.]

Raka swallowed as he read. A summoning unit. If the creature rang its bell loudly, the area would become a death zone in a matter of minutes.

'We have to run,' he thought for a moment. It was his automatic reaction. Raka's old reaction.