Shadow Strategist(EG)

Chapter 3: The Underground World

As Logan advanced through the labyrinthine underground tunnels beneath Princeton University, his mind was busy formulating his next moves. Beside him was Emma Thompson, whom he had met earlier in the campus cafeteria and saved from a life-threatening situation. With her sharp intellect and analytical thinking skills, Emma could be a potential ally and also a tool for Logan. However, Logan knew how fragile trust was and how it could change at any moment. Therefore, he was constantly observing Emma and trying to gauge the degree of her loyalty.

As they descended deeper into the tunnels, the sounds and atmosphere around them began to change. The echoes of strange growls coming from a distance, footsteps, and the sound of dripping water seeping from the damp walls indicated that they weren't alone in these underground passages. Using his "Shadow Sight" ability, Logan scanned the surroundings and identified nearby threats. This ability allowed him to see not only living beings, but also inanimate objects and even the location of potential dangers.

[Environment Analysis]

Threat Level: Medium

Detected Creatures:

D Class Sewer Rat x 5 - 20m northeast

E Class Mutant Puppy x 2 - 30 m southwest

Turning to Emma, Logan whispered, "Get ready. We might encounter some 'guests' soon."

Emma nodded nervously and tried to stay right behind Logan. She had never fought before, and the dangers of this new world terrified her. However, being with Logan gave her a sense of security. Logan's composure, skills, and determination had impressed Emma. Logan, on the other hand, saw Emma's timidity and inexperience as an advantage to control her.

Sewer rats suddenly emerged from the dark corners of the tunnel. These creatures were much larger, wilder, and more aggressive than normal rats. Using "Wing Chun" and "Aikido" techniques, Logan quickly neutralized the creatures. He stunned the rats with Wing Chun's fast and direct strikes while using Aikido's principle of utilizing the opponent's strength to throw them back at themselves. Emma watched Logan's movements with admiration. To her, this was not just a fight but almost a work of art. Every move of Logan's was a perfect combination of grace, power, and precision.

[Experience Gained: 75 XP]

[Combo Bonus: +25 XP]

Looking at Logan with admiration, Emma said, "You did a great job. You're really very skilled."

Logan smiled slightly. "You haven't seen anything yet," he replied. "The real surprises are about to begin."

As they moved towards the end of the tunnels, mutant puppies appeared. These creatures were bigger, wilder, and stronger than normal dogs. Using the fire extinguisher, Logan stunned the puppies and then used his "momentum control" ability to throw them at each other. The fire extinguisher was not only a fire extinguishing tool but could also be used as an effective weapon. Logan's "momentum control" ability allowed him to control the speed and direction of objects. This allowed him to use the fire extinguisher like a projectile and neutralize the creatures.

[Experience Gained: 50 XP]

[New Ability Unlocked: Area Control]

Emma asked in surprise, "What was that? It was like you cast a spell."

"These are just my abilities," Logan replied. "In this world, you have to use everything to survive."

When they reached the exit of the tunnels, Logan and Emma found themselves in the backyard of the Princeton campus. They were surrounded by destroyed buildings, burned vehicles, and people in chaos. The campus was no longer a safe place but a battlefield. Creatures were everywhere, and people were running for their lives.

"We need to get to the north sports field from here," Logan said, looking around. "That's where the helicopter is waiting for us."

"But there are too many creatures around," Emma said anxiously. "How are we going to get through?"

"I have a plan," Logan replied. "But first we need to gain some more experience."

Logan started walking towards a nearby warehouse. "We might find something useful here," he said. "And maybe we can get some new 'toys'."

When they entered the warehouse, Logan started examining the various items on the shelves. After a while, he found what he was looking for: a box full of hand grenades. Hand grenades were ideal for neutralizing large groups of creatures thanks to their explosive power.

"This is what I was looking for," Logan said, examining the hand grenades. "These will make our job easier."

Emma looked at Logan in surprise. "Hand grenades? Really?"

"Yes," Logan said. "In this new world, anything goes. There are no rules anymore."

Logan placed the hand grenades on his belt, and then they left the warehouse. As they moved towards the north sports field, the determination in Logan's eyes grew even stronger. This new world was an opportunity for him. An opportunity to unleash the "dark angel" within him. Logan would no longer just survive but would also dominate this new world. Emma, on the other hand, had begun to see this dark side of Logan. However, staying by his side for now increased her own chances of survival.

To be continued...