With everything temporarily settled, Deejay opened his system interface once more and checked his Gold Coin balance. The number hovering in front of him was clear and reassuring.
Gold Coins: 120,000
It was a solid amount—enough to operate aggressively without emptying his reserves in one move. After a brief moment of thought, he made his decision.
This time, he wouldn't let the drones handle everything alone.
"System," Deejay said calmly, "I'll be joining the rescue operation while it's still noon."
There was no warning. No objection.
"Operation approved," Aegis Prime replied simply.
Before moving out, Deejay opened the System Shop again and made another purchase. Two additional Sentinel Combat Drones materialized moments later, their matte-black frames unfolding as they powered up beside the others. With their addition, his combat force increased to six drones in total, their synchronized movement giving off a stillness but overwhelming sense of control.
As he prepared to close the shop, the system spoke again.
"Recommendation," Aegis Prime said.
"Purchase of combat suit advised. Estimated survivability and efficiency increase: significant."
A new item appeared on the screen.
Combat Suit: Aegis Exo-Frame (Tier 1).
Effect: Combat Power amplification.
Deejay scanned the details briefly before confirming the purchase.
The suit materialized around him in segments, locking into place with soft mechanical clicks. It was sleek rather than bulky, contoured closely to his body like a second skin. Dark graphite armor plates reinforced his chest, shoulders, and limbs, while flexible composite layers allowed full freedom of movement. Thin blue energy lines ran along his spine and joints, pulsing faintly as the system synchronized with his body.
The helmet sealed last, its transparent visor aligning instantly with his goggles.
He felt it immediately.
His strength surged—not explosively, but smoothly. Every movement felt lighter, more precise, as if his body finally responded exactly the way his mind intended.
"Combat Power updated," the system confirmed.
Deejay opened his status panel, taking a clear look before closing it.
[STATUS PANEL]
Name: Deejay Vergara
Age: 24
Race: Human
Tier: Tier 1
Combat Power (CP): 4,000
Strength: 120
Agility: 115
Endurance: 110
Perception: 105
Gold Coins: 80,000
Active Equipment:
Aegis Exo-Frame (Tier 1)
Aegis Visor Mk-I
Chronos Vault Ring
Support Units:
Sentinel Combat Drones x6
Seraph-M Medical Drone x1
Satisfied, Deejay closed the interface.
"This will do," he said quietly. He retracted the armor first as it's too futuristic looking and not to freak out the survivors. The drones was enough for now.
Before leaving, Deejay headed to the lower floors where the survivors had gathered. He stood where everyone could see him and spoke clearly.
"I'm heading out this time," he said. "Food and supplies will be distributed when I return. Stay inside and don't open the doors."
Concern rippled through the group.
"You're going alone?" someone asked.
"With drones," Deejay replied calmly. "I'll be fine."
He scanned the crowd. "Anyone here know how to handle firearms?"
A few hands rose hesitantly.
"I do," one man said.
"I've trained before," another added.
Deejay nodded and reached into the air beside him.
Several firearms and boxes of ammunition appeared instantly, materializing out of nowhere before landing neatly in his hands.
A few people stiffened at the sight, eyes widening, but no one spoke.
"…Did those just—" one student murmured.
Another glanced at the hovering drones, then back at Deejay, choosing not to ask.
Deejay handed the weapons out calmly.
"These are for defense only. Don't fire unless necessary. And don't let anyone enter unless I say so."
He turned to the wounded police officer, who straightened immediately.
"You're in charge while I'm gone."
"Yes, sir," the officer replied without hesitation.
Some survivors looked worried. A few stepped forward, offering to help.
Deejay shook his head. "I appreciate it, but you'd slow me down. Just stay safe. That's how you help."
No one argued.
With everything settled, Deejay exited through the reinforced back entrance.
Outside, the city felt different.
The noise had dropped. Fewer screams.
Fewer running footsteps. The air was heavy, thick with smoke and decay.
Six combat drones hovered into formation around him, their sensors sweeping wide arcs. The medical drone floated slightly behind, silent and ready.
"Sentinel One," Deejay said, "expand your search radius. Look for survivors."
"Acknowledged."
He didn't leave any drones behind. The reinforced building could withstand Tier 1 zombies, and the survivors inside were armed.
A few minutes later, an alert flashed across his visor.
"Survivor cluster detected."
Deejay stopped.
The drone transmitted a visual feed.
A three-story building—likely an office or small commercial structure. Windows barricaded. Movement inside. Around twenty survivors hiding within.
Distance: moderate.
"That'll be our first stop," Deejay said.
"Threat assessment?" he asked.
"Minimal," the Aegis replied.
"Infected have not yet evolved. Current stage manageable."
It was still the first day of the apocalypse.
However that wouldn't last forever.
Deejay tightened his grip on his weapon and stepped forward.
"Let's move."