Capítulo 21: The Hunters Within
The jungle was eerily quiet, broken only by the occasional crackle of static from their BIOs. After the relentless battle with the alien hunters, the group moved cautiously, their senses sharp. The fresh influx of credits had bolstered their confidence, but Captain reminded them that survival required constant vigilance.
As they trudged through the dense foliage, Techie stopped abruptly. His BIO emitted a faint beep, its holographic interface flickering to life.
"Something's off," Techie said, narrowing his eyes at the screen. "I'm detecting irregular signals… human signatures."
Captain stiffened. "Another team?"
"Looks like it. But their movements aren't normal—they're circling us."
Shadow gripped her rifle, her voice low and calm. "Could be an ambush. We should fall back and regroup."
"Wait," Techie said, his fingers flying across his BIO. "There's something else. A new quest just unlocked."
The hologram projected in front of the team, revealing a quest notification:
Special Quest: Trust No One
Objective: Survive an attack from another human team. Counter their ambush to claim a reward of 3,000 Credits and one rare item.
Warning: Quest is active for both teams.
"Looks like they've already started," Ace muttered. "They're hunting us."
Captain clenched her fists. "Then we turn the tables. Techie, can you pinpoint their location?"
Techie nodded, scanning the area. "They're close—maybe 200 meters northwest. If we move fast, we can catch them off guard."
The Ambush Reversed
The team moved swiftly, keeping low to the ground. Captain led them toward a cluster of massive, vine-covered trees that offered natural cover.
Ace whispered, "Think they've spotted us yet?"
"They're laying low, probably waiting for us to walk into their trap," Shadow replied.
Techie's BIO suddenly pinged again. "Got it. They've set up a fake supply crate just ahead. It's a bait trap. If we go near it, they'll hit us from three directions."
Captain smirked. "Perfect. Let's spring their trap—on our terms."
Setting the Stage
Captain quickly laid out the plan. Shadow and Ace would circle around to flank the enemy team, staying hidden in the underbrush. Techie would stay with her, using his BIO to monitor the opposing team's movements.
"Remember," Captain said, her tone firm. "They're human like us. That means they'll be just as unpredictable. Stay sharp."
Ace and Shadow disappeared into the jungle, their enhanced gear blending seamlessly with the foliage.
The Trap Springs
The enemy team, a group of six, waited near the fake supply crate. They whispered among themselves, their leader—a burly man with a scar across his face—grinning confidently.
"They'll take the bait," Scarface said. "Desperate teams always do."
But as his team focused on the crate, they failed to notice Shadow creeping into position behind them. Ace was on the opposite side, his rifle aimed and ready.
Captain and Techie approached the clearing openly, feigning interest in the crate.
"Think it's legit?" Captain asked loudly, her voice carrying through the jungle.
"Looks like it," Techie replied, his tone casual.
Scarface signaled to his team, who readied their weapons. Just as they prepared to fire, Ace and Shadow struck.
Shadow's first shot disabled one of the enemy team's snipers, her bullet hitting their weapon and sending it flying. Ace fired a concussive grenade, throwing the group into disarray.
"Ambush!" Scarface roared, scrambling for cover.
Captain and Techie charged forward, using the chaos to their advantage. Captain's blade slashed through another enemy's weapon, rendering them defenseless.
Techie's Hack
As the battle raged, Techie crouched behind a tree, his BIO glowing. "Give me thirty seconds," he said.
"What are you doing?" Captain asked, fending off an attacker.
"Disabling their gear. Their BIOs are synced to this trap—I can override their systems."
Ace and Shadow continued to pick off the enemy team, forcing them into a defensive position. Scarface yelled orders, but his team was outmaneuvered at every turn.
"Almost there…" Techie muttered, sweat dripping down his face. "Done!"
A loud beep echoed through the jungle as the enemy team's BIOs flickered and shut down. Their weapons powered down, leaving them defenseless.
"What the hell?" Scarface shouted, looking at his dead rifle.
Captain stepped forward, her blade pointed at his chest. "Game over."
Victory and Uneasy Allies
The quest notification appeared on their BIOs:
Quest Complete: Trust No One
Reward: 3,000 Credits and Rare Item: Adaptive Cloak
Captain grabbed the Adaptive Cloak, examining its sleek, shimmering material. "We'll need this later."
Scarface glared at them, his fists clenched. "Kill us if you want. But this isn't over."
"We're not murderers," Captain said coldly. "But don't think we'll hesitate if you come after us again."
Ace added, "Next time, pick your targets more carefully."
The enemy team slinked away, their pride bruised but their lives intact.
As the jungle fell silent once more, Techie grinned. "Guess we're not so easy to hunt, huh?"
Captain smirked. "Let's move. This jungle isn't done with us yet."
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder