The outskirts stretched on endlessly.The further I drove, the quiet emptiness began to feel… unnatural.
At first, the streets were calm.Then, small movements caught my eye—shadows flickering between broken buildings, staggering figures appearing in the ruins.
Zombies.
A few at first, then more. Dozens, clustering in the streets, drawn by life, drawn by chaos.
Damn it… they're getting closer.
I swerved through the gaps, gripping the wheel tighter, my heart hammering.Every step forward revealed more of them, forcing me to constantly dodge, adapt, survive.
Then… I noticed something different.
A creature scuttled among the zombies, bigger than a dog, grotesque and twisted. Its body was bloated and muscular, limbs ending in sharp claws, and its snout elongated with jagged teeth glinting in the sunlight. Its eyes glowed faintly red.
Unlike the zombies, it didn't stagger blindly.It moved with purpose, circling, studying… calculating every step.
A mutated rat? I whispered.But… smarter than the others…
The creature sniffed the air, squealed sharply, and darted around obstacles, anticipating my turns as I maneuvered the bus.It was testing me, probing for weaknesses… its intelligence subtle but unmistakable.
"Stay back… stay back!" I muttered, clutching the wheel.
It wasn't the biggest threat yet—but small or not, this thing was dangerous.It was smarter than a zombie, faster than expected, and far more unpredictable.
This world… it's already evolving…
The bus rattled as I weaved through the ruined streets, dodging debris and collapsing buildings.Zombies appeared everywhere, staggering blindly into the road.
No time to stop. No time to think.
I gripped the wheel tighter, slamming the accelerator as I rammed through a small group of zombies.Bones cracked beneath the bus tires, and I grimaced at the sound—but I didn't dare slow down.
"Helper-01… navigation. Guide me away from the big rat," I commanded, eyes scanning the streets.
[Route Analysis Complete – Suggested Path Optimized for Evasion][Caution: Intelligent Creature Detected – Maintain Distance]
I followed the prompts, swerving around collapsed cars and burning debris.The mutated rat appeared on the corner of my vision, bigger than a dog, its red eyes tracking me with unnerving precision.
Stay calm… keep control… just follow the guidance.
The bus dodged its lunges, tires skidding across rubble.I felt the tension in every nerve, every heartbeat amplified by the knowledge that one wrong move could mean the end.
Zombies kept appearing, and I had no choice but to dispatch them as I drove.The reinforced baton and slingshot I planned flashed in my mind, but I didn't have time to use them yet.This was pure survival on the move.
"Keep steady… keep steady," I muttered, following Helper-01's prompts.
The rat tried to cut me off, darting through narrow alleys, anticipating my path, but Helper-01 calculated every movement, guiding me to safe openings.It was tense… exhausting… but I kept the bus moving.
Every zombie crushed under the wheels, every near-miss with the rat, sharpened my focus.This wasn't just about escape.It was about learning… learning the system, learning the bus, learning how to survive this new, terrifying world.
And the monster rat… it was just the beginning.
The bus rattled over broken asphalt, tires skidding as I narrowly avoided another group of zombies.The mutated rat circled ahead, stalking, calculating, waiting for a mistake.
Then…
DING!
Another prompt appeared on my laptop screen, bright and insistent.
[Energy Accumulated – 100%][Tech Soul Upgrade Available – Select Target]
I swallowed, heart racing.
"Helper-01… analyze the bus. Suggest the next most urgent upgrade while we're still moving. And keep guiding me around that rat."
The AI's calm voice responded almost immediately:
[Analysis Complete – Bus][Recommended Upgrade: Reinforce mobility and energy efficiency. Reason: Increased maneuverability improves survival, combined with renewable power will sustain longer operations.]
I nodded, eyes flicking between the road and the screen.
"Alright… so mobility and energy efficiency first. Got it."
The rat lunged from a side alley, claws scraping the asphalt.I slammed the wheel, swerving violently, tires squealing.
Almost… too close…
[Suggested Upgrade Options – Bus Mobility]
Suspension Reinforcement – Better handling over rough terrain.
Engine Tuning – Increase acceleration and top speed.
Reinforced Tires – Resist punctures and debris damage.
I hesitated, thinking, as the rat's eyes followed every turn.
All of these could help me dodge it… but I need to choose carefully.
The bus weaved through the wreckage, zombies scattering under the tires, the rat calculating its next move.
"Helper… keep track of obstacles. Don't let it corner me."
I gritted my teeth as the bus skidded past another small horde of zombies.The mutated rat darted around ahead, calculating its path, never making a reckless move.
I need more than just basic mobility… I need overall improvement… something that makes this bus a real fortress on wheels.
I focused, closing my eyes for a moment, and spoke aloud:
"Tech Soul… full customization. Optimize this bus for survival, speed, durability… everything. Do what you think is best."
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a soft chime filled the air.
[Custom Upgrade Mode Activated – Full Upgrade Allocation Controlled by System][Approval Confirmed. Execution Pending.]
I frowned, slightly uneasy.
So… I just let it decide everything?
A faint vibration ran through the bus as the system hummed, analyzing every aspect—engine performance, suspension, tires, solar panels… every subsystem.Energy flowed subtly, the bus adjusting itself, adapting to terrain, speed, and efficiency.
I gripped the wheel tighter, watching the road as the upgrades quietly took effect.I couldn't control it… couldn't tweak it…But I could trust it.
Alright… do what you want, Tech Soul.
The bus hummed stronger, smoother, faster.Every movement felt more precise, the suspension tighter, the tires gripping better, solar panels subtly repositioning.
The outskirts stretched ahead, chaotic and dangerous, but for the first time, I felt… a glimmer of advantage.The mutated rat circled, observing, but now… I wasn't completely helpless.
The system was working for me.
And I was ready to see what it could really do.
The bus hummed, vibrating subtly as the system ran its optimization.For a moment, I felt a surge of confidence—the vehicle felt more alive, more responsive, like it knew exactly what I needed.
Then, a new chime rang out.
DING![Tech Soul System Notice – Insufficient Energy. Partial Upgrade Completed.]
I frowned, eyes narrowing at the screen.
Partial upgrade… so that's why it didn't feel completely… perfect.
The bus handled better than before, yes—but not to the full potential I'd imagined.Some of the suspension adjustments were incomplete, the tires still vulnerable in places, and the engine… faster, but not fully optimized.
Alright… energy is limited. I'll need to gather more to complete the upgrade.
I glanced at the road ahead. The mutated rat circled nearby, its red eyes tracking my every move, still dangerous, still intelligent.Zombies littered the streets, forcing me to dodge, weave, and run at top speed.
"Partial or not… it's better than nothing," I muttered aloud, gripping the wheel tighter.
The bus responded as best as it could, solar panels shifting to catch the sunlight, engine humming with effort.It wasn't perfect.It wasn't invincible.But it was a start.
Next energy I collect… full upgrade. No excuses.
The outskirts stretched ahead, chaotic and unpredictable, but at least now… I had a tool that could keep me alive a little longer.
The mutated rat screeched in the distance, circling, calculating.And I… I was starting to understand just how dangerous this new world really was.
The mutated rat lunged.
Its claws scraped against the asphalt as it aimed for the front of the bus. I slammed the brakes, jerking the wheel to avoid a direct hit.The bus shuddered violently.
Damn it… it hit the front anyway!
I glanced at the side mirror. The creature hadn't given up. It hung onto the side of the bus, claws digging into the metal, teeth snapping at the tires and panels.
"You really don't give up, huh?" I muttered, gripping the wheel tight.
Zombies scattered around the streets, oblivious to the fight between the bus and the rat.The bus rattled and groaned, metal creaking under the strain.
I can't keep dodging forever… I need to finish this.
I started thinking fast.If I rammed the side of the bus… into a wall, a pole… anything sturdy enough… maybe I could turn the rat into nothing more than meat paste.
Risky… but it might be the only way.
The rat hissed, eyes glowing red, ready to strike again. Its claws dug deeper into the bus's side.I tightened my jaw.
"Alright… let's see how tough you really are."
I checked the mirrors, gauged the distance to the nearest collapsed building.Every second counted.Every choice was life or death.
If this works… I survive. If not… well… let's not think about that.
The bus hummed, partially upgraded but still holding together.
Tech Soul… don't fail me now.
I yanked the wheel toward the debris, aiming to crush the rat between bus and wall…
The streets were quiet but deadly. The mutated rat still clung on, calculating, waiting for the next move.
And I… I was about to see if I could turn my first real threat into just another pile of rubble.
I gritted my teeth and slammed the bus toward the nearest debris—an abandoned wall jutting from the ruins.
The rat squealed as the side of the bus slammed against it, claws scraping, teeth gnashing.It yelped, bouncing off for a moment, but somehow—horrifyingly—it was still alive.
Damn it…
I didn't have time to think. The creature recovered instantly, claws digging back into the bus.It was fast… smarter than I expected, but I had a weapon now. The bus itself.
I hit the accelerator and rammed it again, aiming to crush it fully against the wall.The metal groaned, the tires screeched, and the rat let out another pained squeal, twisted beneath the force.
This time, it shrieked in pain, sliding down the side, struggling to stay on.I adjusted the wheel, driving in a tight circle, keeping it trapped between bus and debris.
Come on… just finish this.
The streets were empty except for the lingering chaos.Zombies scattered at a distance, oblivious to the fight, while the rat continued to cling on, intelligent and relentless.
I exhaled, focusing all my attention.
One more hit… this ends it.
I slammed the bus into the wall again, hard. The rat squealed, claws scraping uselessly, and finally… it went limp.
Finally…
The bus shuddered from the impact, metal groaning under the strain, but it held.I leaned back, breathing hard, adrenaline pumping through my veins.
This… this is just the beginning.
The mutated rat lay on the street, defeated, but I knew… smarter creatures like this weren't the end.They were just the start.
The Tech Soul system hummed faintly, energy flowing, ready for the next move.
Next energy I collect… full upgrade. No more half-measures.
I kept my eyes on the road, gripping the wheel tighter.The world was changing fast.And I had to be faster.
The rat lay motionless on the street.
DING!
[Material Detected – Lifeform Energy Source][Source: Mutated Rat Monster]
The system displayed two options:
Absorb energy for future upgrades
Extract materials to reinforce the bus
I selected both. The bus vibrated as Tech Soul processed the materials. Numbers and code scrolled across the laptop screen, energy and parts being stored.
[Extraction Complete – Materials and Energy Available][Choose Upgrade Target: Bus / Laptop]
I kept the accelerator steady, steering around broken cars and scattered zombies. The bus responded smoothly, its partial upgrades already helping with maneuverability.
[Upgrade Pending – Select Now]
I ignored the upgrade prompt. Night was coming fast. The streets were twisting into shadows, and visibility was dropping.
I scanned the area for a safe spot to park the bus. A collapsed warehouse on the side of the road caught my eye. Its walls were mostly intact, and the large garage door could provide some cover.
I slowed the bus, weaving carefully between debris and scattered zombies. The mutated rat was gone, but I didn't want to risk staying on the open road.
[Navigation Suggestion – Secure Location Detected]
I followed the prompt, pulling the bus inside the warehouse. The doors creaked as I shut them behind me.
[Location Secured – Limited Visibility Outside]
I cut the engine, letting the bus settle. The partial upgrades made the suspension quieter, reducing noise as I moved inside.
[System Notice – Materials and Energy Storage Maintained]
I set up temporary barricades with scattered crates, reinforcing the doors enough to keep smaller threats out. The system displayed the leftover energy and materials, ready for upgrades later.
The night settled in around the warehouse, dark and quiet, with only faint noises from the streets outside.
With the bus parked and secured inside the warehouse, I finally turned back to the Tech Soul prompt.
[Upgrade Target: Bus]
I selected durability first. The system hummed as energy flowed into the frame, reinforcing metal panels, welding weak spots, and stabilizing suspension points. The bus creaked under the process, but gradually, its structure felt heavier, sturdier.
[Partial Upgrade Complete – Durability Improved]
I tapped the laptop.
"Tech Soul… what materials do I need to make a cold storage for perishables inside the bus?"
The system responded:
[Cold Storage – Required Materials]
Insulated Panels x4
Refrigeration Core x1
Energy Storage Unit x1[Materials Available: 0/6 – Can be sourced from scavenging or lifeform materials]
I studied the list. The system displayed estimated locations where each material could be found.
Looks like I'll need to collect materials from the city outskirts… and maybe the creatures.
The bus now felt more secure, capable of handling minor collisions and debris. The Tech Soul system held the extracted rat materials in storage, ready for the next upgrade.
I began planning the next moves, considering which materials I could gather first and how to balance survival with upgrades.
I tapped the laptop.
"Tech Soul… can you scan for the materials I need for cold storage?"
A soft hum filled the bus.
[Material Scan – Activated][Detection Range: 300 meters]
I watched the display as points of interest began to appear on a 3D map of the surrounding streets. Insulated panels, a refrigeration core, and energy storage units flickered within the system's limited range.
[Scan Complete – Materials Detected Within Range]
I leaned back, scanning the nearby area visually through the warehouse windows.Some of the points were inside abandoned cars, others in small shops and storage lockers.
Looks like I can gather at least a few pieces without venturing too far tonight.
I checked the bus. Its reinforced frame already made it safer for short excursions.
"Tech Soul… mark the safest route to each material within range."
[Route Mapping – Complete]
The system highlighted paths with minimal obstacles, avoiding known zombie clusters.
I prepared myself, ready to leave the bus briefly to gather what I could under the cover of night.
I stepped inside the bus. The hum of Tech Soul indicated the durability upgrade was still in progress. The reinforced panels and structural improvements were taking shape in real time.
"Helper-01… fetch the blueprints for the baton and slingshot," I said.
[Blueprints Retrieved – Baton / Slingshot]
I examined the blueprints, noting the materials I already had stored.
"Tech Soul… craft these using available materials."
[Craft Function Activated – Material Allocation in Progress]
I watched as the system processed the components. Metal rods, polymer composites, and elastic bands formed in the crafting matrix. Within moments, both the baton and slingshot were complete, ready to use.
I picked up the baton, feeling its weight and balance. Then I tested the slingshot, checking its tension and aiming mechanism.
[Crafting Complete – Baton / Slingshot Ready]
The bus shuddered lightly as the durability upgrade continued, but now I had weapons ready for immediate defense, small but effective tools for close encounters.
I stored the weapons within reach, preparing for the next step: gathering materials for the cold storage while keeping the bus safe.
I placed the baton and slingshot within easy reach and turned to the laptop.
"Helper-01… map out the safest route to the materials I need for the cold storage. Start with the ones closest to me."
[Mapping Route – Activated]
The system quickly analyzed the surroundings, marking debris, abandoned vehicles, and clusters of zombies.Three material points within the 300-meter range appeared on the map: one insulated panel behind a small shop, a refrigeration core inside a partially collapsed storage unit, and an energy storage unit tucked inside an overturned car.
[Route Optimized – Minimal Threat Path Suggested]
I studied the highlighted paths, noting where I could move quickly and avoid unnecessary risks.
"Alright… I'll grab these three first," I muttered, tightening my grip on the baton.
The bus sat quietly, its partial durability upgrade humming as it adjusted to internal stress.I opened the side door carefully, stepping out into the shadows, ready to retrieve the materials without attracting attention.
I stepped out into the dim street, moving carefully along the mapped path.
The first insulated panel was easy—just lying behind a collapsed shop. I picked it up and moved to the next point.
The refrigeration core was partially buried under rubble inside a storage unit. I pried it free, careful not to make too much noise.
Finally, the energy storage unit was tucked inside an overturned car. I grabbed it and retraced my steps back to the bus.
[Materials Collected – 3/6]
The warehouse came into view. I pushed the bus doors open and loaded the materials inside.
As I secured the last piece, a loud, guttural roar echoed from the city behind me—the direction I had just come from.It wasn't like any zombie I'd heard before. It was deep, powerful, and full of aggression.
The bus shuddered slightly under the sound.I checked the windows. The streets outside were empty for now, but the roar suggested something much larger—and much more dangerous—was moving in the city.
[Alert: Unknown Threat Detected – Source Unknown]
I tightened my grip on the baton and slingshot, preparing for whatever was coming next.