Chapter 3 — Those Who Know
The clock read 02:47 in the morning when the system alert echoed in my mind, tearing me from sleep.
🎙️ "Alert, master! Presence detected in the perimeter. Threat level: uncertain."
The newly unlocked Radar Mode showed three points approaching the building where I lived. Three vital signs. Human. Or almost.
I grabbed the Titanium Dagger, put on my coat and silently went downstairs. The system projected a semi-transparent map in my vision, marking the location of the targets.
When I reached the ground floor, I heard whispers.
"He's here, for sure. The report from the Apex Group doesn't lie."
"I just hope he hasn't freaked out yet, like the others."
"Shut up, Marina. If he's what their system detected, we need him."
I lay in wait, analyzing.
🎯 Automatic Analysis:
Subject 1: Human — Level 2 — Signs of Stress
Subject 2: Human — Level 3 — Carrying a firearm
Subject 3: Human — Level 2 — Has Biometric Implants
They knew something. Maybe they were allies. Or a threat. But if they knew "the system," they needed me.
I took a deep breath and stepped out of the shadows.
"Are you looking for me?" I asked, holding the dagger tightly.
The three of them turned around. The one with the gun pointed at me, but the girl raised her hand, interrupting.
"Daniel Costa? You… already woke up the system, didn't you?"
How did they know my name?
I nodded slightly. They looked at each other, relieved.
"Great. We're from the Order of the Knowers. We need to talk." The Truth Before the End
We went to an underground parking lot, where the three of them had improvised a temporary base. There, I found documents, maps of the city, photographs of laboratories and a painting with the Umbrella Corporation symbol.
"What is this?" I asked, recognizing the symbol from the conspiracy rumors.
"The origin of the apocalypse," replied Marina, the girl with intense eyes and shaved hair on one side. "We are two weeks away from the collapse. But some of us received the "System", just like you."
The armed man, named Raul, added:
"We don't know if it was sent by some AI, a secret organization or... something else. But whoever awakens the system can change the fate of the world."
I explained about my return in time. From the moment I woke up in college, knowing the chaos that was coming. They didn't seem surprised.
"Others report the same," said Raul. "It seems that some chosen ones are being sent back, with the chance to correct what went wrong."
System Evolution
With their help, I better understood how the System works:
📊 Base Attributes of a Normal Human:
Strength: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 1
Vitality: 10
🎯 Level Up:
At each Level, +1 Point to distribute
Random drop of items when killing zombies
Special zombies can drop rare equipment or crystals
Mutant Fragments improve equipment or create implants
🛒 Shop:
Released through progression or missions
Items vary according to the Level and the user's actions
⚙️ Secondary Bars:
Hand-to-Hand Combat
Firearm Mastery
Infection Resistance
Mutation Control (Advanced)
🎙️ "Master, the more you fight, train and survive, the faster you evolve. But the world also accelerates its collapse."
Family and Bonds
During the conversation, Marina asked me about my family. I hesitated, but told her:
— My parents live in the countryside. They'll be evacuated too late if I don't act. I don't know if I can save everyone…
She put her hand on my shoulder.
— Every life saved before day zero changes the odds. Do what you can. And… do you have anyone? A girlfriend? A partner?
I smiled sadly.
— I did. Lívia. We broke up before the collapse… and then she died. I can't think about her now, or I'll lose focus.
Marina looked away, as if she understood more than she was saying.
Preparation and Alliance
Before they left me, they offered me resources:
2 First Aid Kits
Partial Map of the City's Shelters
Information on early mutation points
And a promise:
— You're one of the few who can face what's coming. We are scattered around the world, operating in the shadows. When chaos begins, look for the sign of those who know. We will be ready.
I accept.
🎯 Updated Quest:
🧪 "Those Who Know" — Establish contact with at least 3 Order cells before the apocalypse
🎁 Reward: Active Skill — "Survival Instinct" / +100 XP
Final Status — End of Day 3
📊 Summary:
Level: 2
XP: 25/100
Strength: 1
Speed: 1
Stamina: 2
Vitality: 10
Melee: 5/100
Distribution Points: 1
Equipment: Titanium Dagger
Items: Mutant Fragment x1 / Medical Kits x2
System Coins: 0
Active Quests:
Investigate Early Mutation (1/3)
Alliance with Those Who Know (0/3)
Days Left Until Collapse: 13
Daniel knew that time was his greatest enemy. And now, in addition to the system, he had allies. The future could still be rewritten.