Kapitel 14: Chapter 14: Want to upgrade
"No, sir. Everything went well, and the project was completed ahead of schedule," a calm and composed voice of lady came from the other side.
A smile lit up Sam's face as he said, "Great work."
"All the credit goes to our employees, sir."
With a slight smile, Sam shook his head and replied, "You're half right. It's the supervisor's duty to ensure the team delivers, and I'm glad to have you as my secretary."
"It's your greatness, sir, that taught me well."
Sam chuckled at his secretary's witty response. Without further delay, he said, "I'm sending you some documents," and after a quick glance at his tablet, he tapped the screen and selected the 'Send' option.
"Check if you've received them."
"Alright, sir. Checking…"
"Hmmm," Sam nodded, waiting for a response.
A few minutes later, the voice on the other end became more serious. "Sir, are you really serious? Modifying the game data at this stage?"
Shaking his head, Sam explained calmly, "You've read the theme; you should've anticipated this."
"Yes, sir, but—"
"No buts. You've had time to read through everything carefully, and I've already explained the reasons behind it," Sam interrupted firmly.
"Understood, sir," came the subdued reply.
Sam sensed the disappointment. After all, the entire game project was complete, even the testing. But knowing the future ahead, Sam couldn't allow the memory of his parents to fade into history.
He spoke softly but with conviction, "I understand your mood, but you have to remember this is business. We, as professionals, can't afford to be emotionally invested in the project. So clear your thoughts and go through my documents thoroughly."
"Yes, sir," the voice responded, once again composed.
"I expect the best from you," Sam encouraged.
"I'll need some time, but I'll send you an update soon."
"Good," Sam replied before ending the call.
Glancing back at his tablet, Sam's eyes widened in surprise. "Four hours? I've been training for four hours straight," he muttered, sinking into deep thought.
After a moment, he gasped, "Could this be the result of absorbing that crystal?" The realization hit him hard, and he took a deep breath.
Shaking his head, Sam quickly composed himself, "No, I can't jump to conclusions so easily," he muttered as he headed upstairs. "First, I need a bath," he said, picking up his pace.
...
[Mohan's Pov]
Amidst the serene mountain landscape, where spring had just started to bloom, nature thrived in its delicate balance. Birds sang, rabbits darted through the underbrush, and the clear waters of the pond reflected the beauty of the natural habitat.
Suddenly, Bang! Bang! Bang! echoed through the once peaceful surroundings, ripping through the calm. Chaos engulfed the scene as blood splattered the ground, painting the earth red. The lifeless bodies of small animals—rabbits, birds, raccoons, foxes, etc.—were strewn across the grass, floating on the surface of the pond. The air, once fresh with the scent of wildflowers, was now thick with the stench of death and cruelty.
In the aftermath of the violent act, an announcement pierced the air, cold and commanding. "Take your positions and complete the objective."
A rough-looking man with a scar running across his hardened face, dressed in a military uniform adorned with five stars on his shoulder straps, spoke in an icy tone. "Mohan, is your squadron ready?"
"Yes, sir," Mohan replied, his voice steady and filled with determination. Turning to his men, he asked, "Are you ready?"
"Always, sir," came the immediate response.
Mohan's gaze flickered, and with a neutral expression, he added, "Our answer is right before you, sir."
"Good. Secure the area," the scarred man ordered without a hint of warmth.
"Understood," Mohan nodded. With a sci-fi gun gripped firmly in his hand, he led his squad into the devastated natural habitat, his men close behind.
As they moved forward, Mohan's attention was suddenly drawn to a glowing prompt that appeared in front of his eyes, hovering in the air.
[Absorb Nature-Aura: Gloomy and Destructive]
[Proceed?]
A faint smile tugged at the corner of Mohan's lips. In his mind, he confirmed, "Absorb."
The prompt shifted, and another panel appeared before him:
[Nature-Aura: Gloomy and Destructive absorbed.]
[Refined into Nature-Aura: Neutral.]
Red Crystal: 10/1000]
[Red Crystal: 20/1000]
The counter for Red Crystals increased steadily by ten units per minute. Calmly, Mohan dismissed the panel from view, letting it vanish from his sight.
Naturally, his eyes fell on the artificial destruction, and once again, it reminded him of the government's cruelty. All the happiness he felt moments ago vanished, replaced by a bitter smile. "It's starting with the animals now, but later..." He shook his head, pushing the grim thoughts aside. He had a mission to complete, and his squad's lives depended on him.
Due to the regression, he knew what was coming, but alas, he couldn't stop it. He could only play his role and guide his team to secure the area without any casualties.
Although he had foreseen these events due to his regression, he was powerless to stop them. He could only play his part, guiding his team through this bloodstained area without casualties.
Glancing toward the destruction, his face softened but suddenly gritting his teeth, Mohan's face twisted in anger. "I can't afford to be kind," he reminded himself. His eyes hardened with resolve. "I won't risk my sister's safety. Not now. Not ever. I'll do whatever it takes to protect her."
His face softened for a brief moment as he recalled the gift that had saved him: the regression, the system. "Whoever sent me back, I owe you everything," he whispered under his breath.
With renewed focus, he pressed on toward his objective, allowing his mind to relax. "I have the system," he thought, confidence creeping back into his heart. ""This will make all those events come 100% true."
*Swish.
A sudden movement in the bushes caught his attention. Without hesitation, Mohan fired his weapon. Blood splattered across the lush greenery, staining the ground red once more. "I'm sorry," he muttered under his breath, his expression cold and distant. "But for my sister's sake, I can't let history repeat itself."
Behind him, Squadron Number 2 halted, momentarily lost in thought. His brow furrowed.
What just happened?
He had seen the shift in Mohan—the coldness, the indifference. His commander, once warm and resolute, now seemed distant, consumed by something darker.
Trailing behind him, Squadron Number 2 stood lost in thought. "Hey, we're on a mission!" a voice jolted him back to reality, causing his eyes to widen as he turned toward Mohan. "Sorry, there won't be a next time," he whispered, his palm slick with sweat, a whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind.
What was that? Indifference? Coldness?
That couldn't be right—Mohan sir was not like this.
Shaking his head to dispel his doubts, he calmly inspected the bushes, even as his inner turmoil continued to churn.
Has something happened?
No, I can't let my mind wander during a mission. But…
After calming his conflicting thoughts, Squadron Number 2 smoothed the tension from his face and followed Mohan, acting as if nothing had occurred. Suddenly, Mohan's pupils dilated as a prompt appeared before his eyes.
[Enough Evolution Points]
[Want to upgrade…]
AUTORENGEDANKEN 
_Sam_raj
_Sam_raj This rule would be followed:
Inner thought in Italic style: Hello, I'm your author.
Normal conversation: "Hello, I'm your author."
System's prompt in Italic style under Square bracket: [System]
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein