Survival

Two hours left before his fated demise as of last time, and as the hours ticked down, he needed to survive this time.

However, Viktor was no fool. He knew that in this situation, it didn't pay to be too rushed about this matter, and besides, there was the question of what came after. He might be able to survive the quest, but that did not mean that his survival afterwards would be guaranteed.

For example, if his objective truly was only to survive until the quest timer reached its zero, he could just increase the security of the bunker by arming everyone with weapons and erecting several makeshift barricades.

That way, he could stop the creature for a few more minutes and stall the quest timer so he could complete it. However, one crucial question still remained; after the quest timer ticked down, as if he stayed here, wouldn't the creature still be a threat inside the bunker?

Hence, he could conclude that the solution he needed did not exist inside the bunker, and he needed to go outside to look for more information. He needed to know, is there any way for the bunker to not get attacked at all?

"Djinn, what do you think? Are my assumptions correct?"

<Kekeke! That does seem like the logical course of action.>

Right as he pondered the next time, suddenly Viktor realized something and decided to ask.

"What about you? Can you help out? I mean, I thought you said you are an all powerful being."

<Unfortunately, at this moment, I can only exist in your mind… Perhaps later, I can help.>

Viktor had half a thought to ask what that exactly meant, but he knew his time was short. Therefore, he decided to set this aside for the moment and make a mental note of the question to ask later.

He placed the Persian lamp in his pocket, rushed out of his room, and quickly called for Captain Petroski and the other three bodyguards to quickly arm themselves.

Within a few minutes, the sound of footsteps could be heard as the captain, along with the three bodyguards, ran towards Viktor in full gear. He gave a salute before asking.

"What is it, Young master?" The captain said.

"I need you to check the situation outside the bunker perimeter."

The order was short, and Viktor did not deign to give them any response. They were even more surprised when they saw the young master also grab a kevlar vest for himself. Still, they decided against voicing their concerns and armed themselves as well.

It might be a better plan to just send his bodyguards up to check. However, with his life on the line, the time constraints, and the numerous mysteries of what was going on outside, it would be better to see the situation with his own eyes. After all, his experience before his first death proved that hiding in the bunker was far from safe like he previously thought.

Seeing the weapon the bodyguards took, the AK47M, Vikor raised his eyebrows and asked.

"Don't you have anything bigger?"

The captain nodded and directed Viktor towards their weapons cabinet. He told one man Torri to take the machine gun with the bigger caliber bullets of 7.62 mm. As for himself, he took a desert eagle handgun with magnum bullets.

Before the weekly communication video ceased, the group had known about the existence of the mutated animals and the zombies who were extremely sensitive to sounds. Hence, they decided to arm themselves with large combat knives just in case.

Last but not least, Viktor and the bodyguards put on a hazmat suit each before they opened the massive steel door. Right as they were about to head out, Viktor saw Nicko and Barry stare at them with a confused look, and the idea to bring them along came to mind. However, recalling what kind of monster exists outside and how the creature ended their lives, most likely they would only become a burden.

"I just need to check something. All of you wait here."

The huge steel door was opened, and behind the cover of the hazmat suit, Viktor took a deep breath. All he had was the hope that the massive monster was not already waiting outside.

Captain Patroski, as the leader of the operation, walked out first alongside one of the men, and with each step they took outside, Viktor could feel his blood boiling and his heartbeat echoing in his ears. For him, the tension was so palpable.

"Djinn, right now I really wish it was just me getting crazy"

<Kekeke… some craziness might help you survive better>

Barry and Nicko glanced at Viktor, surprised and wondering who he was talking to, but the latter decided to just ignore them. Bravely, he took steps out from the steel door and walked up the stairs leading to the surface.

Upon reaching the surface, the group finally saw everything they hadn't seen for quite some time. The skies were dark, glimmering moonlight bathed the dried branches while pure-white snow decorated it. Ice crystals fluttered down from the skies, creating a deceptive picture of tranquility.

As Viktor stepped on the snow, he looked around. Confirming that there was indeed nothing around, he let out a sigh.

Boris, one of the men under Petroski, Boris glanced at a device attached to his wrist for a moment before saying. "Master Viktor, the air is clear. There was no virus or any poisonous substances."

Hearing that, Viktor decided to take out his hazmat suit. As much safety as it provided, there was no way to properly face the monster that previously killed him while wearing such bothersome attire.

"We should split up and search the perimeter." Captain Petroski suggested.

"Yes, yes, I agree!" Viktor said and continued "You go to the front of the tree head, and you," Viktor pointed at Torri, the man with a machine gun and said, "You and me, we both stay here."

That was not exactly what Captain Petrosi had in mind, but he nodded and followed the orders.

With this plan, Viktor would be in a much safer condition.

10 minutes had passed and the situation of the surrounding area was still as calm as before. As nothing happened, Viktor started to feel relieved. "The monster could have gone in a different direction.. That is certainly a possibility," he muttered.

However, before could finish his thought, he saw a movement in the bushes.

"Blyat!! Is it a monster? Or is it captain Petroski?" Viktor exclaimed, unable to hold his surprise.

Torri quickly aimed at the bush, but Viktor shook his head telling him not to. He had specifically said no loud gunshots unless it's an emergency.

Then, he saw a red eyed creature as big as a boar, but its body has white long fur and two long ears.

"What the hell is that? Is that a boar or a rabbit?"

The creature ran, no, it's more like hopping with extreme speed toward Viktor and the bodyguard's direction.

Torry was panicked. He was not prepared to shoot at a creature with such speed.

In such a dire situation, Viktor quickly drew the knife; he held it with both arms in front of his chest and aimed it at the incoming monster.

Spllaaatttt!!

The monster's speed brought it doom, as Viktor's simple knife thrust was enough to kill it. The monster lay unmoving, proof that he managed to kill it.

From the tattered corpse, Viktor saw a small glowing orb rise and fly into his chest. Right as it did, a message entered his mind.

[You have received the spirit energy of mutated rabbit level 5]

[You have received 2 points in agility]

[You have received 2 points of spirit force]

"What the fuck is this now?!"