His CMX bullets were particularly effective against heavily armored enemies, as the round could eat through plating much like his corrosive rounds—except with extreme heat rather than acid. Against organic threats, it inflicted agonizing burns, ensuring that even a non-lethal shot could incapacitate an enemy through sheer pain and tissue damage.
The third type of bullets was the Tracker rounds. Each bullet was fitted with a micro-tracker that activated on impact, emitting a short-range beacon that was synced with his ATVS. He had designed them to be small and lightweight, ensuring they wouldn't compromise his firing speed or weapon balance.
Their primary purpose was to mark targets in the dark, whether it was mutated creatures that fled into the shadows or hostile factions lurking deeper within the ruins. Even if the Family's long-range comms wouldn't work inside Area 69, these beacons would at least give him a way to keep tabs on potential threats—or assets.
All of his remaining gadgets and equipment completed his loadout.
His ATVS linked seamlessly with his gear, feeding him real-time combat data, tracking enemies, and enhancing his night vision and motion detection. With the new tracker rounds, it would let him pinpoint marked targets with ease.
His upgraded Sentinel Mark-2 could conduct reconnaissance, survey the ruins ahead of him, and even provide suppressing fire in a pinch.
His sonic Bombs for both crowd control and disorienting enemies. Upon detonation, they emitted a concentrated burst of high-frequency sound waves capable of shattering eardrums and causing extreme vertigo. Against mutated beasts, especially those with heightened senses, these would be invaluable.
His gloves for close range combat and for rapidly ascending to otherwise inaccessible vantage points.
His Seismic Detector, a compact but powerful scanning device capable of detecting movement through vibrations in the ground. Given that Area 69 had been abandoned for years, any unnatural movement could only mean one thing—danger. With this, he would have an early warning system against anything lurking beneath the ruins.
His Foldable Shield as a last-resort defense mechanism. Lightweight but durable, it was reinforced with durable alloys, allowing it to withstand gunfire and even direct melee strikes. When collapsed, it fit snugly along his forearm, but with a single activation, it expanded into a full-body shield.
And finally, the NeuroSync Collar that he had chanced upon at the Normos Family store. It was a deceptively simple device—just a mechanical neck brace with a soft inner layer made of unknown material. But once activated, it sent controlled electromagnetic pulses through his nervous system, temporarily optimizing his reflexes, increasing his pain tolerance, and even boosting his perception. The effect was like a natural adrenaline rush, but far more refined and sustained.
Best thing was, he could enhance it with his Resonance, allowing for deeper neural stimulation. This meant sharper reflexes, faster information processing, and an even greater boost to his pain tolerance.
Of course, there was a risk. The NeuroSync Collar was designed with safety parameters in mind, ensuring it wouldn't overload his nervous system. But with Resonance, those safeguards became a mere suggestion rather than a limit. If he pushed too far, he could burn himself out, or worse—cause neural damage that even advanced medicine wouldn't easily fix.
Still, that was a risk he was willing to take. If things went south in the base, then he would rather have a fallback option at hand.
These, in addition to other stuff like medical supplies, grenades, ration packs and so on completed his gear. Rion took a final look at them, ensuring every piece was accounted for before shifting his focus inward. There was always a chance that he would be seperated from his equipment, and if that happened, he would have to rely solely on his own abilities to survive.
His origin techniques were just as vital as his weapons. No amount of gear could fully replace the edge that well-honed abilities provided in combat. He mentally tallied his arsenal, assessing what he had mastered.
His Resonance formed the foundation of all his abilities.
His [Enhanced Perception] sharpened his senses far beyond human limits, allowing him to track movement in the dark, detect subtle air shifts, and process information at an accelerated rate. It worked in tandem with the cognitive boost from [Abstract Thinking], giving him the ability to analyze threats, strategize in real-time, and recognize patterns others might miss.
The [Energy Absorption Technique IV] and [Energy Training Technique III] ensured that his energy reserves remained stable, letting him recover spent origin energy more efficiently. If Area 69 turned into a prolonged engagement, energy and stamina conservation would be key.
He had also gotten three new techniques of the Mid-grade Deadeye Gun series, specialized origin techniques designed to maximize lethality with firearms. Unlike conventional marksmanship, these techniques allowed him to push beyond human limitations.
[Deadeye Triple Burst] was designed for rapid yet precise execution. When activated, it synchronized his mind, vision, and trigger finger, allowing him to fire three consecutive shots with pinpoint accuracy. These bullets carried a slight reinforcement, increasing their penetration and stability mid-flight. Ideal for eliminating multiple threats in quick succession or focusing on a single target's weak point.
The second of the Deadeye series was [Deadeye Continuous Burst]. Built for sustained fire, this technique reduced recoil, increased shooting stability, and subtly enhanced his weapon's firing speed. Unlike Triple Burst, which focused on precision, Continuous Burst was about overwhelming an enemy with a relentless barrage while still maintaining accuracy. It was especially effective in suppressing enemies or breaking through defenses that required sustained pressure.
The most advanced of the three, [Deadeye Repose] demanded significant mental energy and concentration. By channeling his origin energy into a single round, he could create a charged projectile capable of piercing even the toughest armored foes. It functioned similarly to a sniper's kill shot, but with amplified impact and penetrating power. The longer he charged the shot, the deadlier it became—though overcharging it could drain his reserves too quickly.
What set it apart was that this enhancement operated independently of his Resonance, meaning he could activate both [Deadeye Repose] and [Overclock] simultaneously. The result would be devastating—an execution move that was enough to down a strong target in a single blow.
However, the combined strain was immense. Both [Overclock] and [Deadeye Repose] drained his mental and energy reserves and pushed his body dangerously close to its limits. Using both together meant he had to strike a balance—too much charge, and his body might give out before he could pull the trigger; too little, and the shot might lack the overwhelming force required to neutralize a high-priority threat.
In addition, due to the added strain, the three techniques had the annoying effect of increasing wear and tear on weapons. After each use of a Deadeye technique, he'd notice hairline fractures in the barrel or premature degradation of his gun's internal mechanisms.
Standard guns practically fell apart after just a few uses of [Deadeye Repose], their barrels warped and internal mechanisms fused from the intense energy channeling through them.
Fortunately, the same innovations that made his guns compatible with his Resonance ability had inadvertently created a more robust frame capable of withstanding the energy surge from his Deadeye techniques. The specialized alloys and reinforced components he'd incorporated to handle the enhancement form [Overclock] also provided additional structural integrity when channeling these techniques.
Still, even his custom weapons weren't immune to the strain. After each deployment, he'd need to perform deep maintenance—disassembling the entire weapon, checking for microfractures in the barrel, realigning the magnetic coils, and replacing any components showing signs of stress fatigue.
Despite the hassle, having these techniques gave him an ace up his sleeve. Against an opponent he couldn't afford to miss, or an enemy too strong for conventional means, this would be his answer.
[Mental Defense] acted as a safeguard against psychic interference or mental fatigue, while each practice of [Lesser Focus] made it easier to steady his mind, allowing for precise shots and fluid transitions between techniques. Both techniques ensured that even under extreme pressure, his mind remained clear and resistant to outside influence.
His physical defense were enhanced through [Iron Skin] and [Resilient Body], which toughened his frame against both blunt force and piercing attacks. Combined with [Iron Grip], he had enough strength to manage himself in close combat.
[Combat Frenzy II] temporarily boosted his reaction speed, aggression, and pain tolerance. It had a risk of overtaxing his body, but in a life-or-death situation, the trade-off was worth it.
His mobility techniques—[Lesser Dexterity] and [Dash]—ensured he could reposition quickly, dodge incoming attacks, and maintain fluid combat movement. In close quarters or against overwhelming numbers, this agility would be his lifeline.
Lastly, in addition to its other effect, his [Tier-1 Gene Chain - Endurance Enhancement] granted him increased stamina and resistance to exhaustion. Combined with his other techniques, it pushed his body beyond natural human limits, ensuring he could fight longer and recover faster.
Satisfied with his preparations, Rion let out a slow breath and rolled his shoulders. He retrieved a small energy bar from his ration pack, unwrapping it with a flick of his fingers before taking a slow bite. The bland taste did little to satisfy, but it would keep his body fueled. With a sip of water, he leaned back against the wall, letting the silence settle over him.
He had done everything possible to maximize his chances of survival. Tomorrow, the mission would begin. The factions would enter the ruins, and the unknown would finally be revealed. Until then, there was nothing left to do but rest and conserve his strength.
Closing his eyes, Rion forced himself to relax, slowing his breathing and allowing fatigue to take hold. Sleep would not come easily, but he would take whatever rest he could get.
On the morning of the fifth day, the Normos Family forces assembled in the main courtyard. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a pale light over the gathered teams.
Dixie stood at the front with both his bodyguards in tow, his presence commanding as he addressed the group.
"This is it. The moment we've been preparing for." His gaze swept over the gathered mercenaries, engineers, and specialists, his expression unreadable. "You all know the stakes. You know the risks. There's no sugarcoating it—this mission is dangerous. Some of you won't be coming back."
A hush fell over the courtyard. Even the most seasoned fighters held their breath, absorbing the weight of his words.
"But," he continued, his voice gaining an edge of steel, "you are not amateurs. You are professionals. You've trained, strategized, and equipped yourselves for this. Every faction here has their own goals, their own objectives. Ours is simple—return with something worth the cost of this mission."
He took a step forward, folding his hands behind his back. "You have your assignments. Stick to them. We move as planned. If you encounter something outside your scope, report it. If you're engaged, neutralize the threat."
Rion exchanged a glance with Vance, who stood beside him in Team Gamma's formation. The father figure had his usual smirk, but there was a tightness in his jaw, a tension that mirrored the atmosphere around them. Stone, their team captain, stood rigid, arms crossed over his chest. The Shadow Sisters, their faces partially hidden beneath their tactical masks, were unreadable as always.
Dixie nodded toward Kellen, who stepped forward with a tablet in hand as she began to read out deployment orders.
Rion listened carefully, his mind already mapping out the sequence of events. The plan was solid, but he knew from experience that once boots hit the ground, reality had a way of unraveling the best-laid strategies.
Kellen continued, "Once we are inside, our priority is to assess the structure's integrity and locate the primary research sectors. Engineers and specialists will determine what can be salvaged. Combat teams will ensure their safety."
Kellen's gaze swept over the assembled teams. "Remember: We are not alone in this operation. The other factions have their own agendas, and while outright hostility isn't expected at the start, that can change the moment valuable assets come into play." She let the implication hang in the air.
Dixie took over again, giving a final nod to his officers before turning to the convoy. A fleet of armored transports, drones, and supply vehicles stood ready, their engines humming in anticipation. "Mount up. You move in five."
The gathered forces dispersed, breaking into their individual squads. Rion and Team Gamma headed for their assigned transports, a bunch of reinforced all-terrain vehicles outfitted with high-tech scanning equipment and modular weapon mounts. Vance climbed into the passenger seat, whistling low as he ran a hand over the dashboard.
"Fancy ride," he said, shooting a glance at Stone. "We getting special treatment, or is everyone rolling out in style?"
Stone, checking his rifle's magazine, barely spared him a glance. "Standard issue. We might be heading in deep, so we get the heavy stuff."
Rion loaded his heavier gear into the back of the vehicle, lining them with the extra ammunition crates and the compact workstation for field repairs. The only things to chose to keep close to him were his magnetic handguns and the case containing his rifle.
Once he was done, he slid into the jeep, settling in beside Vance.
Vance exhaled sharply, drumming his fingers against his rifle. "Feels like we're marching to our tombs."
"Maybe we are," Rion muttered, glancing out at the horizon.
Other members also entered when they finished with whatever was holding them back. As soon as all the transports were filled, the engines roared to life.
The convoy began rolling forward, dust rising beneath the tires as they set off for their destination. As the convoy rolled out, Rion took one last look at the compound, the place that had been his home for the past few weeks. He wasn't sure what the upcoming mission would bring, but one thing was clear—he could only give his best and adapt as the situation evolved.
The exploration mission to Area 69 had officially begun.