His JLTV was in bad shape. The dashboard had already warned him of suspension damage and engine strain, and he could feel the roughness in the vehicle's movement. Plowing through hordes of undead had taken a serious toll. He knew it wouldn't be able to last another hour outside.
He'll have to abandon the vehicle.
As for this place, he looked around and recalled earlier memories to figure out where he was. Luckily, he found a sign on top of a building called Leela Palace Hotel and Resorts, a luxurious one.
Well knowing that, he now knew the zombies won't be as high compared to outside. This hotel can be his temporary base of operations.
Going back to the summons, he opened his system and the infantry tab was displayed.
[INFANTRY:
5 Soul = 1 Infantry
5 soul = 1 Medic
5 soul = 1 Scout
7 soul = 1 Sniper
7 soul = 1 Commando
9 soul = 1 Engineer
9 soul = Pilot
15 Souls= 1 Special Forces
55 souls = 1 General
]
[Souls: 875].
A smile flickered across Advik Bhardwaj's lips. "Let's try this."
Advik Bhardwaj pondered his options carefully. Infantry would be the safe choice, but with his current resources, he needed elite soldiers—operatives who could think tactically and execute orders with precision. Special Forces were the best investment.
He navigated through the Summon Troops interface and selected 40 Special Forces operatives, noting the additional cost. The system clarified that souls alone would summon personnel, but weapons and gear required blood coins. A bundled package ensured each soldier was fully equipped with:
M4 Carbine (Primary)
Glock 17 (Sidearm)
Standard combat uniform
Ammunition and tactical knives
Radios, tactical helmets, and goggles
The total cost: 50,000 Blood Coins. He confirmed the purchase.
Immediately, a magic circle flared on the ground, glowing with a deep blue hue as 40 soldiers materialized in perfect formation. Their stance was rigid, postures disciplined, and each wore black tactical gear, their faces concealed beneath helmets and masks.
Curious, Advik Bhardwaj stepped forward and reached out, pressing his hand against one of them. The soldier's body felt real—solid muscle beneath the uniform, athletic yet unnaturally still. They were like living machines, awaiting command.
As he swept his gaze over them, Advik Bhardwaj knew he couldn't manage them alone. He needed one of them to step up and volunteer to act as his second-in-command.
"I need one of you to volunteer. Step forward to those who are willing to be my second-in-command," he ordered.
One of the operatives responded without hesitation, breaking formation. He reached up, removing his vest, then unfastened his helmet, revealing his short, light brown hair and sharp blue eyes. His chiseled jawline and hardened expression gave him the look of a battle-hardened veteran.
"Do you have a name, soldier?" Advik Bhardwajasked.
"I don't have one, sir. But if you prefer me to have a name, you can come up with one," said the soldier with a thick American accent.
"Very well soldier, your name will be Sandeep," Advik Bhardwaj declared.
Sandeep saluted, standing firm.
Advik Bhardwaj, without thinking, returned the salute, as if it was second nature. Their hands lowered in unison.
"Awaiting mission, sir," Sandeep said in a sharp, professional tone.
Before Advik Bhardwaj could answer, a system notification appeared in his interface, prompting him to check.
[ New Quest: Establish a Base ]
[Objective: Secure a location free of zombies and fortify it for long-term survival.
Rewards: 100,000 Blood Coins, 25,000 Experience Points, and 1x Special Ticket to Fortune Wheel.]
Advik Bhardwaj rubbed his chin. It made sense. With a force of 40 elite soldiers, he could finally start something permanent instead of constantly being on the move. He needed a base—a safe zone.
Another notification popped up.
[Recurring Quest: Save Survivors ]
Objective: For every survivor saved, receive 10,000 Blood Coins and 2,500 Experience Points.
Duration: Permanent.
Advik Bhardwaj's brows lifted slightly. Unlike previous quests, which had a defined end, this one was ongoing, meaning it was designed to grow as long as he kept rescuing people.
This could change everything.
For now, he had two priorities: Find a base and clear it, and locate survivors.
Since he had decided that this hotel would be his base of operations, he had to snuff this building out of zombies in order to finish the quest.
"Okay listen up. As for your mission, we are going to exterminate all undead present in this hotel," Advik Bhardwaj began, his eyes sweeping across each and one of them. "We don't know the layout of this hotel but I do know that it is a luxurious one, which means it has multiple floors, narrow hallways, and plenty of rooms where zombies could be lurking. We'll be moving tactically—room by room, floor by floor—until the entire building is clear. If you find a survivor, I want them contained in the place where you found them, we will deal with them later."
Sandeep spoke up. "How are we going to do this sir? Are we going to split up or go together?"
"Since we don't have any information regarding the layout of this hotel, I'd say we go together and split up along the way. We are going to make our way up the hotel, clear each floor, and leave a team if necessary for lookout and containment." Advik Bhardwaj paused, ensuring every soldier was paying attention. "We move in formation, room by room. No one rushes in blind. If we encounter a horde, we fall back to a defensive position. No unnecessary risks."
Sandeep gave a firm nod. "Understood, sir. What's our entry point?"
"Our entry point would be the stairwell since we're currently in the basement parking. From there, we'll locate the main hall and expect zombie activity along the way," Advik Bhardwaj explained, scanning his men's reactions. "Stay alert. We don't know if the stairwell is packed or if we'll be facing sporadic resistance."
"Understood sir."
"Last but not least, maintain communication with one another," Advik Bhardwajsaid. "I don't want you guys losing on me as I have invested a lot in you."
"Copy that, sir. We'll stay sharp," Sandeep assured.