Chapter 13 — Retaliation and Bonds Forged in Fire
Daniel positioned himself at the side entrance of the Umbrella base. The cold of the night mixed with the smell of metal and gunpowder, while the system showed him dozens of enemies patrolling the internal corridors and the surveillance towers. His objective was clear: invade, clear, rescue what was possible and leave without leaving a trace — or at least try.
He knew it wouldn't be easy. Umbrella had highly trained soldiers, heavy weaponry, advanced security systems... But Daniel had the system's differential, its strength and strategy that the others didn't have.
— "Get ready, Daniel. System activated: combat mode." — The sweet and calm voice of the system's loli sounded in his ear.
With a quick movement, he activated the temporary invisibility mode, a feature that the system had recently released for critical combats. The digital fog enveloped him, turning him into a specter among the shadows.
First steps: silent infiltration
Sliding through the shadows, Daniel eliminated two guards with precise blows of his sword, which pulsed with vital energy. The enemies' blood disappeared into sparks that recharged his vitality. His system updated in real time:
Enemies killed: 2 | XP gained: 120
Vitality: 16 (+1)
Available points: 2
He took the opportunity to collect ammunition and weapons that the soldiers were carrying. He reloaded his pistol and increased the charge of his sword.
Showdown at the watchtowers
As he approached the towers, the alarm sounded. Daniel had no choice: stealth ended.
Soldiers crowded together, armed with assault rifles and machine guns. The combat turned into a brutal ballet of gunfire, dodging and melee strikes.
Daniel rolled on the ground, dodging bursts of bullets that hammered the metal around him. His body reacted quickly, his speed increased by the system. He drew his sword and launched a spinning blow that cut off a soldier's leg, making him fall. He immediately blocked a bullet that almost hit his neck. — "Use your stamina points, Daniel. The fight will be long." — the system's voice sounded, more urgent. Daniel increased his focus, mentally distributing a point to stamina. With renewed energy, he ran against a group, using his sword to cut down three enemies in a row. The blade glowed a dark red, absorbing their life energy. Meeting Alice As he advanced towards the center of the base, Daniel felt a familiar presence. There, amidst the smoke and debris, stood Alice, with her steady gaze and determined expression. — Daniel! I thought you were here alone. — She smiled, but the tension in her eyes betrayed concern. — I had to clear the way for the group. But it seems you didn't stand still either. — He replied, blinking.
Alice pointed to a corridor ahead:
— We have to get to the control room, there we can deactivate the defenses and ensure the evacuation of the survivors who are trapped in the laboratories.
— Perfect. — Daniel nodded. — Let's go together.
They advanced side by side, a deadly choreography of shots and blows.
Alice showed impressive skill with firearms, while Daniel supported with his sword and superhuman strength.
With each fallen enemy, they exchanged quick glances, a silent and reliable communication that only years of fighting together could build.
Battle in the laboratory
In the control room, the lights flashed frantically. Umbrella soldiers were positioned, ready for the last stand.
Daniel and Alice entered with everything.
He broke the door with a powerful kick, opening the way for a rain of bullets. Alice crouched behind a table, retaliating with accurate shots.
— Daniel, watch out! — She shouted as an enemy aimed at him.
Daniel dodged to the side, rolled on the ground and, with a jump, plunged his sword into the head of the soldier who had almost hit him.
In the heat of the battle, he felt a twinge of concern when he saw Alice take a bullet grazing her shoulder.
"I've taken worse," she said, forcing a smile, but Daniel noticed the tightness in her jaw.
They managed to drive the soldiers away and deactivate the security systems.
"Mission accomplished," Daniel took a deep breath.
Alice leaned against him, exhausted.
"Let's get these survivors out of here before they try to regroup."
Moments of pause, deep bonds
On the way back to the base, the adrenaline gave way to reflection.
"Alice," Daniel began, his voice lower, "thank you for coming with me. I know you could be safe with the group."
She smiled, but her gaze was full of feelings.
"You know I'm not good at staying still." Besides, I trust you. And I trust what we're building here." He stopped, staring at her. "Does that mean anything to you?" Alice hesitated, then nodded. "It means that even in a world of chaos, we can find reasons to keep fighting. Together." Daniel smiled, feeling the
the weight of the battles was lessened by that connection.
The system alerted
As they walked, the system updated:
Enemies killed: 73 | XP gained: 4320
Level increased: 9 → 10
Points to distribute: 3
"Suggestion: distribute in speed and stamina for better efficiency in future battles."
Daniel made the distribution mentally.
"We have to keep improving," he said. "There's still a lot of fighting ahead."
Alice agreed.
"And we'll be together. Until the end."
Thus, between shots, blood and alliances forged in the fire of war, Daniel and Alice not only destroyed their enemies, but also built the foundation of a resistance that could change everyone's destiny.