The next morning came. Soft rays of light seeped through the tent, warming the interior gently. I slowly opened my eyes to find my little sister Noel still clinging tightly to me, her arms wrapped around my waist like she had no intention of letting go.
When I tried to shift and give myself a bit of space, she simply tightened her grip again, snuggling closer in her sleep.
I sighed helplessly. She really was like a kitten sometimes.
Then, I turned my attention to the System.
---
[Territory System]
Point: 125.5
Rank: F-
Fortress: [Territory 25 Meters] [200 Points to upgrade]
Technology: [Below Average]
Robots: [3]
Ability: [RT,CM, SL]
{Author Note: The name will be shortened since he will soon have many abilities. Also, some changes in Fortress.}
Technology upgrade: [70 Points]
Robot: [Cost 30 Average Robot] [Cost 120 To Upgrade]
Ability Lottery: Scrap Ticket 0, Bronze Ticket 0, Silver Ticket 0, Golden Ticket 0, Diamond Ticket 0, Ruby Ticket 0, Legendary Ticket 0, Mystical Ticket 0
System Shop: Supplies, Equipment, Foods
[Cost upgrade 25]
[Storage Space Unlimited] {700 Billions of Water, 3 Million worth of Meat, Medicine, Armory, Tents, Lights, Etc...}
---
I looked over the stats with satisfaction. My territory was still small, and my tech was below average, but everything was improving.
The only thing I needed now… was more points.
With a light sigh, I gently pried myself from Noel's hold. She stirred and opened her sleepy eyes, only to pout the moment she saw me getting up.
Her cheeks puffed out in frustration, making me chuckle softly. She was so expressive.
"I have to go outside again," I said gently, ruffling her hair. "Stay here, alright?"
She sighed dramatically but gave a small nod. I handed her some fruit for breakfast—simple rations, but still fresh and sweet.
Yet, she noticed something strange.
She barely felt hungry anymore, only really eating once at night. Her body had begun adapting. Still, she ate with enjoyment, finishing her fruit quickly with a pleased little hum.
I gave her a smile before stepping outside.
Today, I had a plan.
First, I used 70 points to upgrade the technology.
Next, I summoned one more robot, spending 30 points, to help me explore. Now I had three robots in total.
The fortress had changed.
The once crude wooden walls had become reinforced with clean metal. Rough textures were smoothed out, wires now hidden inside sturdy panels. The transformation was subtle, but it felt like progress.
As I passed by, I saw Noel give me a thumbs up from the window, making me laugh.
Wasting no more time, I headed toward the edge of the forest.
There was something important there—a cave.
I knew about it from my past life.
That cave would be vital to my growth.
In the future, it would be a hot zone, crawling with millions of zombies, including thousands of stellar-class and super-class zombies. It was a battlefield no ordinary survivor could step into.
But now, while it was still early… it was my chance to strike first.
It took about one hour of walking to reach the area.
Along the way, I encountered around 55 normal zombies. The robot handled them efficiently, taking them out one after the other. I barely had to lift a finger.
That short encounter earned me 25 points. A good start.
But when we reached the outer edge of the cave...
My heart raced.
Even with Calm Mind, my breath caught in my throat.
In front of me stood a horde—20 mutated zombies and over 100 strong zombies surrounding the cave entrance.
It was horrifying.
In my past life, facing this kind of group would've meant instant death. Even now, I wouldn't last more than a minute if I fought head-on.
I immediately ordered the robot to dig a massive hole.
Not taking any chances, I summoned a second robot, costing me another 30 points. The two robots started digging together without hesitation.
Within an hour, they had carved out a giant pit, wide and deep—perfect.
I dropped in a series of grenades and landmines, layering them strategically.
Then I ordered the robots to cover it up—leaves, dirt, and loose branches masking the trap.
After it was concealed, I gave the two robots a direct command:
"Eliminate anything that follows me out."
They both acknowledged with silent nods and moved into position, hiding behind trees.
Now it was my turn.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped closer to the cave and shouted loudly, grabbing the attention of every single undead inside.
The zombies turned.
Then they charged.
Twenty mutated. One hundred strong.
The ground trembled as they ran after me. The mutated ones were fast—too fast. If not for my recent breakthrough, I'd be caught in seconds.
I ran.
Branches tore at my clothes. Dirt flew beneath my feet.
Behind me, the 100 strong zombies were quickly intercepted by the robots. They unleashed a storm of bullets, tearing them down.
But the mutated ones were gaining on me. I could already hear their snarling breath within ten meters.
Then—
Boom!
I jumped forward as the ground behind me exploded in a fiery chain reaction.
Grenades and landmines ignited in unison, catching the charging zombies completely off guard.
One by one, the mutated zombies were torn apart, blasted into pieces.
The robots, now done with the strong zombies, joined in to finish off the wounded.
I grabbed a tree branch to stop my momentum, panting, heart racing. Then I jumped down from the ledge and ran toward the site.
What I found made my eyes widen.
Three silver scrolls and two bronze scrolls lay among the corpses.
I grabbed them quickly, storing them in my inventory.
Then I glanced at my system.
Points: 1150.5
I gulped, stunned. This… this was a treasure trove.
I didn't hesitate.
I used 120 points to upgrade a robot.
Then spent 100 points to summon another.
The newly upgraded robots began to change. Their bodies grew taller—now 6 feet in height. Their guns became sleeker, stronger, with built-in precision scopes.
I knew this version.
In my past life, this robot model could handle three nightmare zombies at once.
Each had an automatic energy shield and advanced combat instincts.
The next upgrade, however, was a massive leap—it cost 500 points. I remembered that one well.
But not yet.
This was enough for now.
Without wasting another moment, I turned and faced the mouth of the cave.