Dawn of the Predator

Three days had flown by in a blur of anxious anticipation. Today marked the fifth day since the world plunged into chaos. Zephyr, confined to the spacious house, had used the time to his advantage. He meticulously followed his pre-Apex training regimen, honing his newly enhanced physique with bodyweight exercises. The ground floor served as his gym, while Young-Jae and Jae-Ya occupied the second floor.

The house, though plain, offered a haven from the unfolding dystopia. Sturdy tables and chairs provided a semblance of normalcy, while two bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen ensured their basic needs were met. Young-Jae, however, remained a shadow of his former self. He barely spoke, his meals and water consumed with a hollow detachment.

Jae-Ya, still unconscious, lay untouched in her bedclothes. Zephyr, tender despite his hardened exterior, diligently wiped her face, arms, and legs with a damp cloth each day.

With refuge secure, Zephyr prioritized his own needs. Acquiring vaccines and serum for Young-Jae and Jae-Ya could wait. They were safe within the house, and Zephyr reasoned their bodies could hold out longer without immediate treatment. Besides, he had no desire to brawl with the five teenagers for scarce resources. He wasn't afraid, but he felt a tinge of pity. Their Legion registration wouldn't yield them the substantial rewards he'd received as one of the first recruits in this sanctuary. His was a special perk reserved for the pioneering pioneers.

Zephyr didn't solely focus on physical training. He also delved into the System, a mysterious interface that had previously aided him. Initially, activating it proved tricky, but after several attempts, he learned to conjure it by thinking "Status Window" or speaking it aloud.

The System had various tabs, but 'Sync' remained an enigmatic puzzle. No matter how he probed its depths, he found no clues to its purpose. The "Inventory" tab, however, held intrigue. It revealed a separate storage space, independent of the real world, with limitations.

Each item stowed could be of any weight, but size restrictions apply. Unfortunately, only six slots existed, each requiring a unique item. Further complicating matters, accessing this tab required physical interaction, unlike the mental activation of the main screen.

Beyond its complexity, the System's inventory thrilled Zephyr due to its potential to reserve the Exosuit. It could significantly elevate his survival against dangerous creatures.

Previously, such advanced armor suffered from mobility issues. Not because of the suit's dexterity, but because carrying it around was cumbersome. Sure, the Exosuit itself was portable, but using it to harbor other things drained energy and required additional batteries. This extra weight proved detrimental during encounters with terrifying, difficult-to-contain creatures.

While utilizing existing transportation technology seems logical, advanced technology didn't translate to flying ships in Apex World. Hovering cars were the primary mode of aerial transport. While equipped with impressive technology, those vehicles present a larger target and noise signature compared to ground-based alternatives, potentially jeopardizing their safety.

Therefore, storing the Exosuit in the System's inventory represented a strategic breakthrough. It meant gaining flexibility and adaptability without sacrificing more resources.

Zephyr flexed, briefly adjusting to his slightly enhanced physique. Although the change wasn't drastic, he already felt an improvement in overall fitness and alertness.

He mumbled, "Status Window."

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[ Status Window ]

Vitality: 110/110

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While not at his peak strength, his current condition comfortably surpassed the threshold required for the Basic Exosuit and the upcoming "First Stampede of the Sentinels" event.

However, mere survival wasn't his goal. With a second chance and the System's assistance, he aimed to save as many people as possible.

"Looks like it's time to take on those sub-quests. I'm too poor now, even though I'm under the roof of a fairly comfortable house." Zephyr muttered, leaving his house in District 2. He walked on the cobblestone road.

Unlike District 1, which was close to the central Hall Square and Legion Union, District 2 offered a balance of proximity and safety. It was a bit further from the Main Gate, making it less vulnerable to immediate threats.

Districts 3 to 7 were similar in strategic location. Districts 8 to 15, despite being furthest from the Hall Square and Legion Union, offered the most security due to their distance from the Main Gate areas.

Despite the vastness of the Fortress of the Divine Light, the human population remained low since it was still at an early stage. Thousands wouldn't even fill one district, leaving ample opportunity to find suitable housing.

In the meantime, Zephyr reached the Legion Union and swiped his Ex-communicator to enter without needing to announce his purpose. As a Legion member, formalities were waived. He intended a quick visit, aiming for basic income through low-level quests despite their meager rewards.

He settled on a hunting quest, receiving immediate confirmation with a beep and illuminated screen on his Ex-communicator.

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[ Inbox ] New!

Mission: Ensure the Surrounding Area is Safe

Status: In Progress

Grade: Easy

Duration: 24 hours

Reward: 2 Shards per mutated animal killed outside the Fortress of the Divine Light (Maximum: 200 Shards)

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Leaving Legion Union, Zephyr headed to the weapons shop in Hall Square. His remaining 3 Shards burned a hole in his pocket. He opted for the cheapest option: a thick, sharp dagger strapped to his left thigh.

Ready to tackle the hunting quest, he approached the Main Gate. However, something made him pause before stepping outside.

"Look who it is!" Ja-Sung's voice boomed as he spotted Zephyr. "Where are you heading?"

Jin-Uk chimed in, "Bah! You should remember your savior first and repay our kindness as soon as possible."

Zephyr turned to the right side and approached the two. "Don't worry. I'm someone who never forgets the debt. I'll pay you guys later. Right now, I don't have any at all."

Ja-Sung frowned after noticing the calm demeanor. He scrutinized Zephyr closely.

On the other hand, Jin-Uk bristled. "Don't get cocky, you punk! Show some respect and pay up right now. I don't care about later." He swaggered closer, trying to assert dominance. He then grabbed Zephyr's shirt collar with his left hand and threw a punch with his right hand to the face.

Ja-Sung clicked his tongue, finally noticing the changes in Zephyr's physique since their last encounter. 'He's built. Unless we're guaranteed triumph, best not escalate.' He tried to stop Jin-Uk's rash actions, but it was too late.

Zephyr quickly dodged the blow by tilting his head to the left, followed by crossing his right arm behind Jin-Uk's head from his left side. The locking of Jin-Uk's movement triggered him to give the final blow by kicking Jin-uk's right leg with his right foot from the front left side.

The sound of a loud blow and Jin-Uk falling to the floor was so loud that it attracted the attention of several people nearby.

Unaffected by the taunts, Zephyr stared back, expression blank. "Cut your losses. I'll settle the debt, but not now." His voice remained calm yet carried an undeniable weight.

Ja-Sung rushed over, restraining Jin-Uk's anger. He whispered, "See the Ex-communicator on his left wrist? He must have taken the AP-X Serum. Two-on-one won't be enough right now. Retreat."

"What the f*ck?! Can he speak Apexian already?! Screw it! I can't accept this insult." Jin-Uk protested in a low tone, confused.

"We'll handle that later. I have an idea. Let's go." Ja-Sung murmured. He steered a fuming Jin-Uk away, the crowd scattering as the tension subsided.

Zephyr chuckled, a hollow sound that barely mirrored his past. Before the Apex World, his intimidating physique – tall frame, tattooed arms, and neck – had masked his true nature: a coward who used extortion for easy money.

But that was then. The regression had forged him anew. He was no longer the weak man who relied on bravado. He knew how to fight, to protect. He was a changed person, forged in the fires of experience.

Meanwhile, Zephyr ventured beyond the Fortress of the Divine Light. The AR Vaccine granted him the luxury of breathing fresh air and witnessing the breathtaking beauty of the Valleys of Torak. Unlike the other three sanctuary regions, this one offered stunning vistas, but Zephyr knew the idyllic scenery held a deadly deception.

'Beautiful, but malignant,' he thought, aware that even tranquility couldn't erase the lurking threat of mutated beasts. He proceeded cautiously towards a wooded area, knowing it could harbor rampaging creatures.

Suddenly, two shrieks pierced the silence, one from each side. Zephyr, his dagger already drawn from its left thigh sheath, reacted with swift, lethal strikes. Two figures crumpled to the ground, blood staining the green grass – mutated deer, weaker prey among the apex predators.

Having dealt with them smoothly, Zephyr knew there was still a long way to go. He needed to conserve his energy if he wanted the maximum rewards from his quest.