The sun had barely risen, casting a pale glow over New York's skyline as you prepared for your next move. The Echo Protocol's network was sprawling and secretive, embedded deep within the city's underbelly. Today, you will infiltrate their communications hub.
Your system buzzed softly, tracking vital stats and readiness:
[Skill Check: Hacking + Intelligence]
[Stealth + Agility]
[Innate Talent Adaptation Active]
Approaching the Target
The building was an unassuming data centre nestled between a derelict warehouse and a graffiti-covered alley. Cameras patrolled the perimeter, but you moved swiftly and silently, blending with the morning shadows.
You hacked a nearby security terminal, your system displaying:
[Hacking Skill: +350 XP]
[Stealth Skill: +300 XP]
[Adaptation Progress: 8% → 11%]
The cameras looped, and the doors unlocked with a soft click.
Inside the Lair
Inside, you encountered several guards patrolling corridors, their footsteps echoing ominously. Your reflexes adjusted instantly to their patterns. When a guard suddenly turned your way, you ducked behind a crate, heart pounding but body calm.
You struck quickly, silencing him before he could raise an alarm.
The Network Core
Reaching the network's core, you connected a secure device to extract data. The progress bar ticked slowly as your system monitored incoming threats.
Suddenly, alarms blared. Reinforcements were on their way.
[Alert: Hostiles Incoming]
[Combat Skill Activated: Martial Arts (Daredevil Style)]
Fight or Flight
You prepared for battle, every movement fluid and precise. Your Adaptation skill was at work, letting you react faster with each new attack. You dispatched enemies with a mix of swift strikes and evasive manoeuvres.
Your system is updated:
[Combat XP +900]
[Adaptation Progress: 11% → 15%]
Extraction
With the data secured, you slipped out through a maintenance tunnel, disappearing into the city's maze of alleyways. Your system buzzed:
[Quest Update: Echo Protocol Network Infiltrated – Data Acquired]
New Insights
Back at your safehouse, you analysed the files. The Echo Protocol wasn't just an arms syndicate—it was experimenting with enhanced operatives, some seemingly beyond human limits.
Your system rewarded you:
[Level Up Achieved]
[Stat Points Earned: 6]
You again allocated points evenly, with a small bonus to Luck, feeling it was crucial in unpredictable fights.
Preparing for the Next Move
The game was changing, and so were you.
Your Adaptation was growing stronger—an edge in a city where survival meant evolving faster than your enemies.