Choices and Consequences

Zephyr was panting in the middle of the forest about seven kilometers from the Fortress of the Divine Light area after felling three tigers with his army knife. He realized his recklessness in confronting large animals like elephants and hippos simultaneously, driven by the pressure to achieve quick results for his quest. Despite his improved physique, he had forgotten the crucial power boost of his Exo-suit.

Zephyr forced himself to slow down, conserving his energy for the rampaging mutants. He knew guns were for quick culls, not this sustained fight. Hours blurred into one as he danced through the horde, his bare hands taking down enemy after enemy, the numbers silently recorded by his Ex-communicator.

As twilight painted the sky, Zephyr finally called a halt. He ran out of ammo like he had maxed out the available resources. But disappointment gnawed at him. He had slain countless animals, yet the kill count on his Ex-communicator didn't reach his satisfaction.

Only 17 kills away from his target, Zephyr cursed under his breath. While 83 was a lot, it wasn't great for someone of his caliber. He shouldn't be surprised. Urgency had turned to recklessness, pushing him to abandon his years of fighting experience in favor of raw speed.

He pulled up his Status Window.

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[ Status Window ]

Name: Zephyr Quinn

Vitality: 40/110

Status: Normal

Legacy: Human/Unrefined

Credits: 6

Sync: (Inactive) (Expand)

[ Abilities ] (Expand)

[ System In-store: (N/A) ]

[ Inventory: (1/6) ]

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Zephyr stared intently at the System screen, his irritation mounting. He'd lost half his vitality, taking down a mere 83 creatures. His knife-work was flawless, his gun deadly, yet he struggled like a novice against those animals.

He returned, not with the bravado of a hero, but with the slumped shoulders of a man burdened. Despite the defeat in his posture, his eyes were drawn to Hall Square, alive with the buzz of evening activity. The Fortress of the Divine Light illuminated the night, creating a surreal bubble of normalcy against the encroaching chaos.

Laughter and chatter spilled from the square, a stark contrast to the anxiety gnawing at his gut. Even people marked by the cough and telltale red spots shared in the merriment.

Then, his gaze landed on Da-Mi's group, watching the festivities from the outskirts. Zephyr shook his head, a bitter chuckle escaping his lips. 'Yeah, it does feel peaceful here. But out there, the people who are reluctant to move to the four shelters are the ones who are experiencing a real nightmare.'

Taking a deep breath, Zephyr trudged towards the Legion Union. He was reluctant to disturb that momentary joy and happiness for people and players who still didn't know how terrifying the Apex World was.

Arriving at the left desk, he reported his hunting mission as complete, a confirmation message flashing 166 Shards on his Ex-communicator screen.

Zephyr then unfurled his Status Window. Ignoring the enticing 'Credits' tab, he first extended his 'Inventory.' The empty gun, devoid of its bite, was deposited with practiced ease. Now only his army knife rested on his left thigh, a stark reminder of his reality.

A flicker of longing crossed his face. Storage like this, like in the familiar MMORPGs, was a blessing. If only the Exo-skeleton could be equipped... roaming Apex World would be so much easier, and safer. But that thought, too, was stored away for another time.

With a sigh, he finally switched to the 'Credits' tab. The sum stared back at him, a tempting pool of unknown potential. But the 'In-Store' tab remains stubbornly locked in grayscale, its secrets still beyond his grasp. With a resolute click, he sent it all, a gamble on a future he could barely comprehend.

Zephyr shut the Status Window and checked the amount of wealth he had.

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[ Zephyr Quinn ]

Inbox: 2

Balance: 3581 Shards

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Zephyr wasn't fazed by the astronomical price tag anymore. Despite his newfound wealth, Exo-skeletons and weapons held no immediate allure. He strode towards the right table of the Legion Union, purpose etched on his face. With a single transaction, he purchased four vaccines and a serum, draining 1400 Shards in an instant.

Two vials—an AR Vaccine and AP-X Serum Type 1—were designated for Young-Jae, their effects vital for his survival. The remaining three vaccines, AR Vaccines, would safeguard Jae-Ya, Eugene, and Uncle Chow. He tucked the two serums into his space storage, filling two of its precious slots. The inability to stack identical items was a minor inconvenience, a trade-off he accepted for the convenience of portable storage.

Returning home, he found Young-Jae and Jae-Ya wide awake, confusion etched on their faces.

"Take these two. And this one for you." Zephyr said, handing the AR Vaccine and AP-X Serum Type 1 to Young-Jae. He then gave one vaccine to Jae-Ya, too.

"But the daily quota isn't claimable if you've already earned it," Young-Jae pointed out, eyeing the vaccine and serum dubiously.

"It's bought, not claimed," Zephyr countered, his gaze unwavering. "Don't you want to become a Legion? Just take it." He held the hope that Young-Jae would embrace this chance to become a Legion that could be relied on.

But in the middle of the conversation, Jae-Ya opened her mouth and expressed flatly, "I also want to become a Legion."

Hearing that, Young-Jae turned his head with a dumbfounded face while Zephyr narrowed his eyes.

Jae-Ya then placed the vaccine she had taken on the dining table. Showing no doubt, she said. "If I want the serum, what should I do? I have some idea what being a Legion is like, even though I don't know the details. What should I do? If I become Legion, can I kill those beasts easily?"

Young-Jae trembled at Jae-Ya's declaration. He considered Jae-Ya's words as a reminder that his guilt over the death of his family should not be gone.

Meanwhile, Zephyr straightened his back and opened his mouth, "One, one. Ask one by one. Not all at once like that."

"Can't I be Legion?" Jae-Ya asked expressionlessly. But there was a gloomy impression in her tone.

Zephyr scowled, "Calm your head for a moment." He then made a gesture to Jae-Ya to calm down.

"The option to become a Legion is yours alone," Zephyr stated. His voice was firm yet laced with concern. "Here, freedom of choice reigns supreme. But remember, open ears and an open mind are crucial. Seek advice, listen to suggestions, then weigh them thoughtfully before deciding your path."

He paused, his gaze unwavering. "And don't underestimate the power of knowledge. Gather all the information you can about the Legion, their trials, and their purpose. The more you understand, the more informed your decision will be."

Jae-Ya's silence hung heavy in the air, her eyes reflecting Zephyr's unexpected lecture. Even he surprised himself with the lengthy advice - uncharacteristic of his usual demeanor.

"Alright, here's the plan," he began, his voice softer now. "As I said before, master the Apexian language. It opens doors and widens your horizons in this vast world. For Legion specifics, Young-Jae is your go-to guy. He's practically a walking Legion and Apex World handbook."

Zephyr shifted his gaze to Young-Jae, a hint of concern in his eyes. "Skip the daily quota at the Legion Union. The line's a mile long. Trust me, it's longer than you can imagine, and fighting over scraps with other players will only cause trouble. Get it?"

Young-Jae bobbed his head in rapid agreement while Jae-Ya crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. But the ordeal wasn't over.

Young-Jae swallowed the vaccine, then braced himself as Zephyr injected the serum. A guttural groan ripped through him, his body contorting on the floor in uncontrollable spasms.

Zephyr just stood watching, occasionally glancing at Jae-Ya, whose face remained a mask of impassivity.

Minutes stretched into an agonizing eternity before the tremors subsided. Young-Jae weakly reached for Zephyr, who helped him up. Sweat drenched his body, glistening under the bright light.

Jae-Ya's head shook silently. Without a word, she retreated to the stairs, climbing towards the second floor.

Looking at that girl's back, Young-Jae cleared his throat, hesitation lacing his voice. "Mr. Quinn, would it be alright if I slept on the first floor tonight?"

"Sure, get some rest," Zephyr replied, his voice gruff with suppressed duty. He watched Young-Jae settle on the couch before retiring to his bed, the silence now filled with unspoken urgency and weariness.