"Four thousand seven hundred points…"
Lux was tempted. The electrocution had hurt, but only at the beginning. After that, he'd passed out.
If one electric shock in the apocalypse could exchange for a large amount of resources, that wasn't a bad deal.
After all, going outside meant fighting brutal zombies.
[Host, you're dreaming. Resource points from electrocution depend on the amount of electricity absorbed. Your previous absorption caused a blackout across the entire area. This behavior cannot be repeated]
The system's cold, mocking voice echoed in Lux's mind again.
"Alright, alright, I get it. You're just a sharp-tongued system that enjoys crushing my hopes. Is there anything else I should know?"
[Next, an explanation of the summoning system]
[The system provides Tactical Doll summoning at one hundred thousand resource points per summon. Summoned Dolls are random. Strength is not tied to original star rating. Each Doll has her own strengths and weaknesses]
[Tactical Doll loyalty is linked to affection. Initial loyalty is eighty points]
[If loyalty reaches zero or becomes negative, the Tactical Doll may betray the Host]
[However, as long as affection exceeds ten points, the Commander has authority to remove the Doll's fire-control core or scrap her]
[Loyalty is a hidden attribute. The Host must judge it through observation]
[In theory, betrayal is extremely rare. Of course, as Commander, you may issue any orders you wish. With enough resource points, you may do as you please}
The system explained with ill intent.
"I feel like you're trying to lure me into a trap. I'm not falling for it."
Lux said firmly. He hated forcing Tactical Dolls to do things they didn't want to do. If possible, he wanted everything to be of their own will.
[How could that be? The system is completely neutral. As long as the Host continues collecting resources to exchange for points, whatever you choose to do in this world will not be interfered with. The system will only provide assistance]
"Assistance? What's in it for you?"
[Reselling. In the year 206X of the parallel world, certain resources were extremely scarce. A genius devised this system as a workaround]
[The system recycles resources from past parallel timelines for future use, alleviating shortages. Antique items, in particular, grant much higher resource points]
[Of course, every world seems to have its antique collectors…]
Lux sighed. He roughly understood the system's nature: mutual benefit. He and the system formed a cooperative relationship.
By 206X, Tactical Dolls were widespread, and exchanging them for valuable ancient resources and items was a reasonable plan.
For him, it was a life-saving measure.
After familiarizing himself with the system's basic functions, Lux shifted his gaze to the two silver-haired girls before him.
"This area lost power due to my earlier suicide-like electrocution. Without finding shelter tonight, survival in this apocalypse will be extremely dangerous."
"Our food supply refreshes twice daily, so theoretically we won't starve. But the longer we stay here, the weaker all three of us will get."
"Based on this, what are your thoughts?"
While analyzing the situation, Lux sought their input.
After all, this was his first apocalypse. One wrong decision could cost all three of them their lives. He needed them to point out any details he missed.
"Charge out and mow down all the zombies outside with my overwhelming power"
MDR said confidently.
"Hey!!! This residential area has at least a thousand residents. Even with HK416's backup and you two taking one zombie per bullet, we can't clear the whole block… realistically, this isn't feasible."
"Yes. Zombies will lock onto targets by sound. If surrounded, our accuracy will drop."
"And gaps in firepower from switching weapons could put the Commander at risk. This plan has zero viability."
HK416 said flatly.
"Ah, then figure it out yourselves. Miss MDR is not good at this kind of thing. Isn't this supposed to be the Commander's job?"
"I need to see what the silly netizens posted!"
MDR pulled out her old-fashioned button phone.
"No signal…"
"Stop nagging! I can't help!"
MDR grew impatient.
"I'm not really a competent Commander either. I need your help. I might overlook critical details."
"Overlooking them could be catastrophic. I want to survive with you two and live happily in this apocalypse. Please, help me."
Lux looked seriously at HK416 and MDR.
"As long as it's an order, I will execute it perfectly. I'm an elite Tactical Doll, after all."
HK416 said proudly.
"Since it's come to this, Miss MDR will also do her best to protect Commander."
"However, unlike HK416, I lack an intelligence cloud system for tactical advice, so I can't provide useful recommendations."
MDR put away her phone, her expression serious.
"If we clear this building, we can acquire some resources. Should we start with this residential block?"
HK416 suggested.
"Right, you have a grenade launcher, HK, correct?"
Lux asked.
"Yes. I'm equipped with the AG416 under-barrel grenade launcher, 40mm grenades, five rounds refreshing daily, range adjustable from 20 to 100 meters, four frag rounds, one armor-piercing."
HK416 reported quickly.