Chapter 15: Curing the Infection… one bullet at a time
Crouching down, Maxwell held the P2016 firmly in his right hand and the Data Knife in his left, copying Snake's famous CQC stance.
*Bang* *bang* *bang* *bang* *bang*
Maxwell aims at the zombies' legs to disable their advance.
*Click* *click*
The gun ran out of bullets. With precise movements, Maxwell reloaded quickly and resumed his attack, focusing on the monsters' knees. The zombies were piling up on the docks, their heavy bodies pressing against the decayed wood, which groaned and crackled under their increasing weight, about to give way.
[-$3]
Maxwell's P2016 clicked empty again. He stowed his gun in his holster and pulled an explosive kunai from his belt with one swift movement. Without hesitation, he launched the kunai towards the horde of more than fifty zombies.
*Booom*
Maxwell threw himself away just as the kunai detonated.
The explosion shook the air, throwing Maxwell into the sea. His body sank into the cold darkness, the pressure of the water enveloping him.
*Splash*
"*Cof* *cof*" Rising to the surface, Maxwell spits the water out of his mouth. His face wrinkles at the taste.
Looking down at the docks, Maxwell sees the damage done. The water had turned red and there were pieces of limbs and organs.
Maxwell swam with effort, each stroke bringing him closer to the shore; the previous explosion had torn his organs apart. Exhausted, he emerged from the water and headed for his temporary base. It was then that the system screen flashed in the corner of his vision.
[You've reached a new milestone, 250 enemies killed!]
"Oh… OHOHOHO!" Maxwell's laughter rang out, hoarse and uncontrolled. He felt that things were going to change drastically or he was going to go mad for good.
[Synthetic Nightmare: Kill 50/100/250 Enemies
(X) - Amped Weapons
(X) - Most Wanted List
(X) - Assassin's Instinct]
[Assassin's Instinct: They Made Me A Killing Machine. Who Am I To Argue With Programming?!]
[Desensitized: Unable to feel panic, fear, or psychological trauma.
Bloodlust: Your mere presence can evoke fear and horror in others. Eye contact amplifies the effects, diminishing perception, and inducing illusions in weak-willed beings.
Smell of Blood: Highlight in-view enemies low on health even through walls. You get excited when you smell the blood of your prey, temporarily increasing your DEX (the increase is proportional to the skill level).]
He was going mad, and the island was going to accompany him in this madness!
…
…
…
*HUFF* *HUUF* HUUFG*
The wereskag advanced desperately across the soft sand of the beach, his breathing an irregular, panting rhythm. His red hair was erect, and he cast frantic glances backward, trying to throw off his pursuer.
He stopped abruptly in front of a large rock formation. With claws trembling with exhaustion, he tried to climb the rocks, but his efforts were in vain. Open wounds left a trail of blood along the way, his strength fading fast.
"Come on, Red Jack! Are you going to keep running or are you going to act like a real predator? You can run all you want, but you can't hide."
Red Jack turned around, his sharp white fangs glistening under the dripping saliva. A low, continuous growl emanated from his throat, a last warning to be left alone. But his attacker only laughed, a dry, cruel laugh. A contemptuous smile spread across his face, amused by the scene.
"You're just a cute little puppet." Maxwell slowly approached the creature several heads taller than him, without any weapon in his hands.
Its blue eyes were opaque, without any sparkle, like a deep sea without any ripples.
Red Jack's body began to tremble visibly, his savage instincts kicking in for survival, heavy charges of adrenaline coursing through his blood. His body acts on its own, pushing Maxwell forward recklessly.
"*Hmpf*"
Maxwell's legs tensed in an explosion of strength, his body becoming a blur.
Red Jack's body freezes as he feels a sinister bloodlust, his eyes scanning his surroundings in search of Maxwell.
*Crack*
Red Jack feels a pair of hands touch his neck from behind and hears a sickening sound of bones breaking before his vision suddenly twists.
With his head turned, Redjack's eyes meet Maxwell's.
"..."
The two beasts stared at each other silently, waiting to see what action the other would take. A crimson aura began to emerge from Red Jack's body, which was slowly starting to regenerate.
Maxwell didn't wait for Red Jack's body to go into Berserk mode. He flexed his arms, his hands like iron lathes piercing the hard flesh. With a tremendous effort, he ripped off the head along with the wereskag's backbone.
The familiar screen of his system appeared shortly after the death of the last wereskag. Maxwell received this mission shortly after Benjamin's departure.
[(X) Kill Whiskey Wesley
(X) Kill Bigfoot
(X) Kill Red Jack
(X) Kill Jackie O'Callahan]
[Quest "The Pack" is completed. Depositing rewards]
[+85c]
[x1 Samson Truck 1.6]
[x1 Cloak]
A rare smile grew on Maxwell's face. The gray life on the island and the constant confrontation with abominations had made him forget that his facial muscles could make such a contraction. He expanded the items he had received and nodded with satisfaction; it had been worth all the effort hunting for the island's wereskags.
[(Vehicle) Quadra Samson: Samsons are assault truck vehicles with 6 wheels and space for three people. It comes equipped with a Pilot Sentry, the Sentry Turret serves as a stationary anti-infantry machine gun capable of mowing down foes with ease.]
[(Augment) Cloak: allows pilots to appear nearly invisible to enemies for 9 seconds,]
Maxwell closed the screen with a thought, putting off redeeming the rewards. He planned to use them only when he was back in the Badlands. After all, what was the point of having a vehicle on Dead Island? He could save up for Catch-A-Ride and then Digistruck in the Badlands if there was a Catch-A-Ride on Dead Island of course.
Two weeks had already passed, but taking into account that Pandora needed 90 hours to go completely around the sun, Maxwell had already been on Dead Island for over a month. He had killed thousands of zombies, which made encounters with the undead quite rare on the island these days.
Disregarding the nights that delayed his development, Maxwell became a wereskag without a conscience. Fortunately, his immune system managed to suppress the virus. Now, he only turned into a wereskag on full moon nights. Not everything was a loss. In his wereskag form, he spent long nights going on killing sprees, which allowed him to upgrade his [Assassin's Instinct] and clear a large part of the island, leaving only the tunnels that connected the island to the mainland.
His new ability was crucial to his progress, allowing him to have peaceful nights of sleep, even with the constant noise of screaming and moaning zombies. In the first few weeks, he suffered from intense nightmares that affected his combat effectiveness. Now, those nightmares are a thing of the past.
The skill came from Apex Legends' Revenant, but it was more detailed than in the game. Maxwell thought that the system adjusted the skill to something more useful in real life. He had evolved his skills and attributes a lot. Maxwell was almost ready to perform his first Regeneration.
_____
Name: [Maxwell Willians]
Regeneration: 0
[STR: 50] [END: 50] [DEX: 50] [INT: 39]
Skills: [Trigger Discipline lv.22] [Blade Mastery lv. 48] [Mithridatism Constitution lv.10] [Assassin's Instinct lv.57] [(Temporary) Skagtropy]
—
Functions: [Hangar] [Questboard] [Most Wanted List]
Credits: $76
_____
His knife skills have evolved significantly in the meantime, mainly due to the scarcity of ammunition. While bullets were rare, a knife never ran out of ammunition. The Scorpion broke after so much use, and the vending machines were empty. So Maxwell saved his ammunition for more important targets and used his kunai and Data Knife against normal zombies.
He was lucky to find the zombified King and Knight on the island. The poor bastards made it that far, but they didn't last long, according to the recordings Maxwell heard on his ECHOs. He buried them along with Rook, after taking their dog tags and equipment.
There were a few MREs left in his supplies, something much more valuable than ammunition, given his situation. Every bit of food he found took his mind off the need to eat zombie meat. Maxwell also improvised a fishing rod and tried his luck at sea.
Claptrap returned in the meantime, after checking Fast Travel. Unsurprisingly for Maxwell, it was inoperative. The network on Pandora had been shut down by a clan of bandits led by Mad Mel.
Maxwell didn't worry too much, because in the game it was the main mission to kill Mad Mel. He knew that the Vault Hunters would turn on the Fast Travel network on Pandora, allowing him to leave the island in the blink of an eye. Focused on the new challenges that arose after the conclusion of the Synthetic Nightmare, he was prepared for whatever came.
[Phantom Shell: Kill 25/50/100 enemies without being seen
1 - ???
2 - ???
3 - ???
Free Bird: Cover 250/520/975 Kilometers running
1 - ???
2 - ???
3 - ???
Ninja Warrior: While wall-running, cover 1/3/5 kilometers
1 - ???
2 - ???
3 - ???
Technophobe: Breach 25/50/100 technological devices
1 - ???
2 - ???
3 - ???]
Maxwell was faced with so many options that he didn't know where to start. Fortunately, some of them were already being completed without him having to concentrate on them.
Suddenly, a vortex began to form above the island. Maxwell looked up at the sky, initially thinking that a storm was approaching. His doubt quickly dissipated when Claptrap ran towards him, his high-pitched voice ringing out and hurting Maxwell's ears.
"Master! The network has been restored! The Fast Travel system is online!" shouted the Claptrap unit, stumbling as it spoke.
"Hmm." Maxwell's opaque eyes fixed on the bluish whirlpool. The energy emanating from the machine seemed almost palpable.
With a sigh, Maxwell made his way towards the Fast Travel point, taking one last look at the places that had become part of his routine: the two-story house where he slept and the docks where he fished, the graves of his companions.
"I think the day of my departure has arrived," he muttered to himself. "I hope Jakobs doesn't come and claim the island. Zombies aside, it's a beautiful island, and the only place on Pandora with trees. A luxury, if you ask me." He took one last look at the island before turning to Fast Travel.
"The Vault Hunters must already be facing Atlas, and I'm not on their side." Maxwell began to remove his military clothes, throwing them on the floor while standing in his underwear. "Today, I defected from Atlas ..."
As he spoke, his hands navigated through the Hangar of his system to the section where they sold clothes.
[(Gear) Grapple Pilot Suit/Jack Cooper Model: A high-quality military suit, helmet, and jump kit is included. ($40c)]
"And reborn as a pilot."
Chapter 16: Back to the Badlands
Inside a building that was not very busy, a man with tired, unfocused eyes was sitting on a bench. He almost fell out of his seat when a sudden blue glow illuminated the space, and a man materialized right in front of him.
"Damn, is Fast Travel working again?" The man tapped his chest a few times, trying to calm his racing heart. He looked at the newcomer, confused by the unfamiliar outfit, unlike any corporate uniform he had ever seen.
"Hey, have you seen my gun?" The man doesn't let the opportunity pass and asks the new face. The few people around seemed to know the man; some rolled their eyes, sighed, or just cursed quietly.
"Ugh, I feel sick." Maxwell rubbed his stomach as he fought a slight dizziness. Recovering, he gave the stranger a brief glance before leaving the building.
Outside, the visor of his helmet blinked, adjusting to the intense brightness of the city, as advanced communication systems and environmental sensors began their readings, he lifted his head to read the giant sign:
Welcome to T-Bone Junction
"So it's real, I'm back in the Badlands," Maxwell muttered, letting out a sigh. He didn't know if the filters in his helmet were top quality or if the time on Dead Island had made the air on Pandora seem several times cleaner.
Speaking of which, he was still getting used to his new equipment. His pilot's helmet has more technology than his old one given to him by Atlas, and it wouldn't be a lie to say that it was the most expensive part of the suit.
Equipped with a HUD display, it provides real-time information such as health status, real-time feedback on implant cooling time and condition, a tactical map with compass, advanced interchangeable radio communication systems, and environmental sensors such as night and thermal vision providing tactical advantage.
All this technology is protected by an impact- and bullet-resistant structure, with internal layers designed to absorb shocks and explosions.
On its back, its Jump Kit emitted a slight hum as its thrusters adjusted. The recharging system is powered by movement thanks to its alternator and ambient energy with small solar plates. Maxwell was eager to test his jetpack, now he could do double jumps, it seemed silly, but it made it clear to him that he was very close to officially becoming a pilot.
His tactical vest, light but extremely resistant, adjusted to his movements, it didn't even feel like it was there because it was so comfortable. Several pockets stored ammunition, grenades, and first aid kits, while adjustable holsters kept his P2016 and Data Knife within quick reach. Maxwell flexed his fingers in the kevlar-reinforced gloves, appreciating the protection against cuts and impacts and the non-slip surface that improved weapon handling.
He walked through the busy streets, and with every step, Maxwell's boots, with their cushioning systems, avoided making too much noise. He just didn't understand why people seemed so frightened by his presence that they avoided walking on the sidewalk where he was.
"Oh damn! I forgot to control my bloodlust." Realizing what was wrong, Maxwell reduced the intensity of his bloodlust but didn't deactivate it completely.
Some people seemed quite interested in his equipment, so it wasn't a bad idea to make it clear that he was a dog that just barks but doesn't bite. Maxwell felt the presence of others around him, but not the same constant threat as in Dead Island. Here, he could move with relative freedom, although he kept his instincts sharp.
"What should I do first?" Maxwell ponders, his foot tapping rhythmically on the sidewalk. His eyes then turned to the screen of his system, seeing that the main mission of Zombie Island had been completed."I think I'd better find a good place to collect my rewards."
Maxwell heads to the outskirts of the city, to a parking lot with few vehicles. He sends out a heavy pulse of his bloodlust to drive away anyone who might be in the area, and after checking the perimeter he turns his attention to the system.
[(X) Escape from Zombie Island
(X) Kill Dr.Ned {optional}
(X) Sell the experiments carried out on the island to Atlas or Jakobs or destroy it {optional}
(X) Don't get bitten for your entire stay on the island {optional}]
[Main Quest "Zombie Island" is completed. Depositing rewards]
[+$100c]
[1x Smuggled Stimulant]
[5x MRVN]
[1x Spyglass]
"Stim huh? I just hope I don't get addicted to it, I read somewhere that some pilots were addicted to this drug and ended up dying of an overdose," Maxwell looks at the next reward and shakes his head, satisfied. "Five marvins? Looks like the system is finally being generous with me."
"No fucking way, Spyglass?" Maxwell's eyes widen, touching the items for more detail. "That thing costs over 60 credits, and I can't even buy that thing with my Regeneration level."
[(Augment) Smuggled Stimulant/Assault Stimulant Implant: ASI is an advanced implant installed in the adrenal glands. Unlike single-use stimulants (Stim), which are applied via disposable syringes, ASI stores and synthesizes adrenaline directly from the pilot's body. The helmet's HUD display provides real-time feedback on adrenaline levels.]
[(Robots) MRVN/Marvin: Mk. III Mobile Robotic Versatile Entity, also known simply as "Marvins", are mechanical workers assigned to manufacturing and other routine tasks, such as cleaning, carrying loads and other manual labor. Their machine learning allows them to be used for more versatile purposes, such as training opponents for combat, performing first aid, or piloting vehicles. The basic models, however, cannot communicate beyond emojis.]
[(Robots) Spyglass: Spyglass units handle logistics, navigation, deployment, and communication. They are built on a modified Spectre chassis. However, due to its more advanced A.I. in logic and tactical decisions, providing intelligence and information to troops on the battlefield, it allows it to lead squads and infantry units.]
Several robots materialized in the parking lot, the Marvins looked confused, but Spyglass quickly understood their situation.
"At your service, Admiral!" Spyglass salutes respectfully, his cold robotic voice showing no emotion. In the background, the Marvins, seeing Spyglass' sudden action, silently try to imitate his saluting movements sloppily.
"Admiral huh? I haven't created my space navy yet, but we can set some parameters," Maxwell points out to Spyglass. "You've been promoted to rear admiral, don't let me down."
"Thank you, sir, it's an honor. But I'd like to know who your Vice Admiral is."
"I haven't recruited yet, she's an A.I. and is currently in Elpis, but that's a conversation for later."
"I see. What are your orders, sir?"
"Relax Spyglass, give me a minute and I'll clarify our situation." Maxwell waves his hand.
"Of course, sir."
Maxwell turned his attention to the system screen to pick up the rewards for the mission "The Pack"; the vehicle would help him with his current plans.
[+$85]
[1x Samson]
[1x Cloak]
Ducking his head, Maxwell realized that a key had appeared in his hand. Pressing the button to unlock the car, he heard the noise and saw the flashing lights of the vehicle in front of him.
Opening the driver's door, Maxwell let his body relax in the leather seat and inspected the interior. Hydraulic steering, 6x4, 6 gears, radio, air conditioning, and electric windows.
He nods, satisfied with his vehicle. Maxwell asks the system to install the implants he had won.
[Do you want to implant the "ASI" and "Cloak" augmentations in your body? The system charges $10c for the installation of both.]
'Do it,' Maxwell wouldn't be stingy, and with his confirmation, he felt all his skin and viscera ache. He knew that Cloak was installed just under the skin of the pilots, it was a painful surgery, but something very redundant for men of war, the apex of soldiering.
Letting out a pained sigh, Maxwell gestured for Spyglass to get into the car. He would be testing his new cybernetics in a more private space.
He hands Spyglass an ECHO when he enters Samson, before beginning to explain what it was for.
"Pay attention, this is an ECHO device that is connected to the ECHOnet, use it to collect the information you need. However, don't connect yourself to ECHO, I think the network has been compromised by a certain Siren, she can control technology that is on the same network as her."
Without saying a word, Spyglass turned his attention to ECHO, his robotic fingers rapidly typing with surgical precision and speed. He collected basic information, such as what planet he was on, the calendar, geopolitics, and influential figures.
Spyglass nods, in less than a minute he already knew the basics of what was going on in Pandora.
"What are our objectives, sir?"
Maxwell closes his eyes, organizing his thoughts.
"Currently the Vault Hunters are after the last piece of the Vault key, but I have information that Tannis, the researcher into everything related to the Eridians, will forcefully betray them because of Steele, who will arrest Tannis soon after in Crimson Fastness."
Maxwell opens his eyes, turning his face to Spyglass. "I want to rescue the researcher, she's important to my plans. Not only that but claim the base where she's being held for me, there's also the ECHOnet server, full of juicy information, I don't think I need to explain how important this mission is."
Spyglass remained quiet, processing rapidly in search of information about Tannis. He didn't wait for his superior to request it, it was his duty to gather information and provide intelligence.
"But first, I'm going to Marcus, I need money, and I'm full of ECHOs packed with weapons." Maxwell started Samson's engine, his piloting skills were a little rusty, but nothing that would prevent him from driving.
Spyglass knew from ECHOnet that Marcus was a very wealthy and influential merchant, his business network extending beyond Pandora to several planets.
--- Break ---
Parking in front of Marcus' store, Maxwell opens the door of his Samson, before turning to Spyglass.
"Stay here, and don't let the Marvins hang around town," Maxwell points at the Marvins sitting in Samson's truck bed, they were quiet the whole trip. "If anyone tries anything funny, call me immediately."
Maxwell hands over his P2016 to Spyglass, he would be buying a new secondary weapon.
"Copy that." Spyglass agrees, picking up the pistol before sending the orders to the Marvins. He goes on alert against any suspicious individuals.
With everything done, Maxwell goes to the entrance of the store, hoping that Marcus hasn't somehow found out who stole his vending machines in Promethea, it's been a few months, but the man idolizes his money like a god.
Maxwell makes his way to the counter, where he is greeted by Marcus, to no one's surprise. The shopkeeper in question had already spotted Maxwell since his arrival at the front of the store, his eyes seemed to calculate all his equipment, deducing that he was some kind of solo mercenary.
"Greetings my friend, to what do I owe the pleasure? Names Marcus, in case you haven't noticed the giant sign at the entrance," Marcus points upwards. "Sell, buy, trade. We'll do anything, just don't expect your money back."
"Maxwell, just call me Max. I want to sell guns." Maxwell was brief, he didn't want to spend too much time talking. A dozen ECHOs fell on the counter, making the sound of metal hitting wood.
"Well, well, what have we here?" Marcus's eyes swept over the ECHOs before returning to Maxwell. "Are you going to sell the devices too? $2,000 each."
"Of course, but without the SDs." Maxwell lets out a snort, finding Marcus' attempt comical.
"Hehehe, a shrewd man, I like that." Marcus didn't feel the least bit embarrassed, making money and cheating was commonplace in business, and only the inexperienced complained. But Marcus only mocked these people before taking every penny from them, anyone who didn't know the rules shouldn't try to play.
Taking one of the ECHOs, Marcus briefly inspected the inventory. He repeated this process on all the devices.
Maxwell's fingers tapped the wood periodically, patiently waiting for Marcus to finish. He could have sold in the automatic machines, but they only received guns, and he didn't want to go around carrying a dozen ECHOs.
"200,000" Marcus gave his price, hoping for some negotiation. But fortunately for him, Maxwell didn't have the patience to get a few dollars more in a heated argument.
"70% in my ECHO wallet, the rest I want in physical cash." Maxwell didn't like having everything in his digital wallet with a certain Siren connected to ECHOnet.
(Wallet: $140,613)
As soon as he received confirmation that the money had been transferred to his account, Maxwell picked up the wad of dollar bills, held tightly by a rubber band. He stashed the physical money in his vest pockets.
"It was a pleasure doing business, come again!" Marcus laughed happily, he had gotten a good find, Jakobs guns. He just wondered where Maxwell had got them.
Returning to his Samson, Maxwell made his way to T-Bone's apartments, wanting to sleep before testing his cybernetics and Jump kit.
Weekly Power Status
200+ Power
Ranking 
164 Power
stone 
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