Feeling the Strain
He stood taller than before, but it wasn't enough. Every movement sent dull aches through muscles that felt like they'd been smashed with hammers and then left out to rot. His breaths were heavier now, chest tight.
[SYSTEM]: Vital signs suboptimal. Risk of collapse if exertion continues without recovery.
He rubbed a sore shoulder and groaned. "Great. So I'm basically a walking wreck."
"Don't worry, I've got you. Well… mostly."
A fresh notification pinged in his vision.
[NEW QUEST: RECOVER YOUR BODY]
Objective: Acquire and consume a Vital Core to fully restore your physical condition.
Reward: +15 Core Stats (distributed), +20 Vitality, Unlock Advanced UI Functions.
He blinked. "Vital Core? What the hell is that?"
"Rare energy source. Scattered through the ruins. Probably guarded by something nasty."
He snorted. "Perfect."
He took a shaky step forward, ignoring the dull pain stabbing his ribs. If he didn't get that core, the system was right — he wouldn't last long.
"Start by scanning the area for potential Vital Core signals."
He focused. The system overlaid faint glowing markers on the landscape ahead—one strong signal pulsing just past a collapsed archway.
"Looks like I'm going on a little treasure hunt."
He tightened his fists. "Let's see if this 'rare energy' is worth dying for."
The ruins were a sprawling mess of crumbling stone and twisted metal. Broken pillars leaned like tired giants, and shattered archways framed the gray sky. The ground was littered with debris—twisted wires, shattered glass, and the occasional flicker of strange blue light pulsing just beneath the dirt.
He took a deep breath and adjusted the tattered sleeve of his shirt. His body still ached, but the promise of that Vital Core—the chance to feel normal again—drove him forward.
[SYSTEM]: Vital Core signal detected approximately 120 meters northeast.
Signal strength: Moderate
Potential hazards: Environmental decay, hostile creatures.
His eyes caught the faint glow shimmering beyond a collapsed archway, a pale blue light like a dying star fighting against the gloom.
"So this is where the prize hides," he muttered.
"Yeah, and it's probably not handing itself over on a silver platter."
The system's voice was almost smug.
"Vital Cores are scarce and heavily guarded. Not by humans, though. You'll be facing remnants of failed experiments, corrupted wildlife, and maybe the odd malfunctioning defense drone."
He clenched his fists. "Sounds like a walk in the park."
Crunching footsteps echoed behind a pile of rubble. He froze, heart pounding.
He swallowed hard and scanned the area. Three shadowy figures lurked ahead—glitched beasts, claws scraping the stone, eyes glowing with menace.
"No way I can fight those."
"Correct. Stealth and evasion is your best bet."
His heart pounded as the nearest creature snarled, sniffing the air.
He pressed himself flat against a broken pillar, barely daring to breathe. The beasts prowled closer, tongues flicking, jerky steps cautious but searching.
[SYSTEM]: Scan complete. Suggestion: Use environmental cover and system-assisted distraction protocols.
He spotted a loose chunk of rubble near a rusted pipe. With a trembling hand, he threw it toward the far side.
A loud clatter echoed.
Two beasts turned sharply. The third froze, confused.
He exhaled slowly, pressing onward while their attention was elsewhere.
His legs protested at every movement, but he pushed forward.
The glowing Vital Core shimmered faintly beyond the next bend.
"Almost there," the system encouraged.
"One step at a time."
The faint blue glow grew stronger as he edged closer, shimmering through the cracks in the stone floor.
His legs shook with every step. Sweat dripped down his forehead, and the ache in his chest made breathing a chore.
[SYSTEM]: Vital signs critical. Immediate recovery required after acquisition.
Warning: Environmental hazards detected.
Around the corner, the glow pulsed brighter. A small pedestal, cracked but still standing, held a softly radiating orb—the Vital Core.
It looked almost peaceful.
Almost.
Suddenly, the ground trembled beneath him.
[SYSTEM]: Alert. Hostile presence detected. Defense mechanism activated.
From the shadows, a large, mutated creature lumbered forward—a twisted mass of muscle and broken metal plating. Its eyes locked on the orb and then on him.
"No fight," he whispered to himself, heart pounding.
"Just grab it and run."
The creature snarled and charged.
With trembling hands, he snatched the orb just as the beast slammed into the pedestal, sending shards of stone flying.
[SYSTEM]: Emergency protocol engaged.
Activating body assist.
A surge of energy pulsed through him, steadying his legs and dulling the pain just enough to move faster than before.
He didn't have time to celebrate. The creature roared and lunged.
"Run!" the system urged.
He sprinted, stumbling but propelled by newfound strength. Behind him, the beast howled in frustration.
He didn't look back. His body was running on borrowed time—legs numb, vision hazy, every breath a burning knife in his ribs.
Behind him, the mutated beast let out a roar that shook the stone.
But it didn't catch him.
He reached the far side of the ruins, dove behind a collapsed slab, and collapsed.
Silence.
No footsteps. No growling. No killing blow from behind.
He blinked. Waited.
Still nothing.
[SYSTEM]: …Huh.
Analyzing…
Conclusion: That shouldn't have worked.
He gasped for air, throat dry. "W-What… what do you mean?"
"The creature was faster than you. Stronger. Should've caught you in seconds."
"Probability of survival? Less than 5%."
"…But then I survived."
"Exactly."
[SYSTEM]: Observation — Luck stat actively influencing outcome.
Enemy stumbled mid-charge.
Rockslide triggered by loose debris blocked pursuit path.
Enemy AI confused by abrupt terrain change.
"So… I lived because the world tripped over itself?"
"Pretty much."
He laughed weakly. "Luck stat's kind of ridiculous."
"Kind of?"
He slowly lifted the glowing orb still cradled in his hand. It pulsed gently, like it was alive. Warm, steady.
[SYSTEM]: Vital Core acquired. Ready for absorption?
Effect: Immediate restoration + major stat boost.
Warning: Absorption may cause temporary side effects. Symptoms include dizziness, memory flashes, and mild hallucinations.
…Or it might just feel tingly. 50/50.
He smirked. "Let's roll the dice."
He sat up slowly, cradling the Vital Core in both hands. The blue light shimmered gently across his face, casting long shadows behind him. The warmth in the orb wasn't just physical — it pulsed like a second heartbeat, steady and certain.
[SYSTEM]: Confirming Vital Core absorption.
Warning: Stat surge may cause physical strain.
Chance of mild hallucinations: 22%
Chance of moderate screaming: 34%
Chance of awesome results: 100%
He gave a weak laugh. "Just hit me with it."
[ABSORBING CORE…]
The moment the system confirmed, the orb melted in his hands—liquid light soaking into his skin. His veins lit up blue for an instant, then white-hot.
He doubled over.
It hurt—but not the kind of pain he'd felt before. This wasn't sharp. It was growth—bones grinding into place, muscles knitting themselves back together. His lungs expanded. His heartbeat slowed from frantic to steady.
Then—
Peace.
He exhaled.
For the first time since waking up, his body didn't feel like a collection of shattered pieces. His hands moved without tremble. His legs supported him without effort.
He stood up.
No wobble. No pain.
Just power.
[QUEST COMPLETE: RECOVER YOUR BODY]
+15 Core Stats distributed based on deficiency and adaptation.
+20 Vitality.
[ADVANCED UI FUNCTIONS UNLOCKED]
New Menu: Detailed Stats
New Function: Manual Stat Allocation (Locked until Level 3)
System Sync: 85%
"How do you feel?"
He stretched. Cracked his neck. Bounced lightly on his toes.
Then smiled.
"Like Superman after he flies into the sun"
"Good. Because we're just getting started."