The quiet hum of the drones changed — not louder, but more steady, like a smoothly running engine. Their solar panels on the backs glowed faintly in the sunlight filtering through the trees.
"Solar Charging Panels active," Raphael said. "Battery regeneration: 2.4% per minute in direct sunlight. Drones are at full power."
Fred sighed in relief. "Nice. Free energy. We're officially eco-friendly."
"New task available," Raphael added.
The screen blinked with a new mission:
Task: Eliminate 20 Titans (0/20)
Reward: Drone Weapon Upgrade — Extended Range + Prototype Laser Module (Short Burst, High Precision)
Fred groaned. "So, do I just wander around until I find twenty more Titans to kill?"
"Negative. Nearest Titan group: 2.7 kilometers northwest. Estimated count: eight."
Fred rolled his neck. "Of course."
He checked his drones — six hovering, synced, ready. The solar panels glowed softly.
"I hope that upgrade's worth it," he muttered.
"You will need it," Raphael replied. "Large Titan detected in the area. Height: 17 meters. Type: Abnormal."
Fred's stomach tightened. "What do you mean 'abnormal'?"
"Unpredictable. Faster. Smarter. Harder to kill. Proceed with caution."
Fred crouched behind some thick bushes, peeking through.
The Titans were scattered around, six regular ones and two abnormals. One of the abnormals was huge, bigger than any building Fred had seen. Its eyes twitched. It moved strangely, like it was trying to copy human movements but failing.
"Targets locked," Raphael said. "Engaging."
The drones shot up, fanning out in a wide arc. The forest erupted in chaos. Gunfire rang out like thunder. The first three Titans fell without even reacting, steam hissing from their necks.
The abnormal screeched, jerking its limbs wildly. It moved way too fast, smashing a tree where Fred had just been.
"Evading," Raphael said.
Two drones attacked, one slashing its shoulder, the other shooting out its knee. As it staggered, four more drones opened fire at its neck with sharp, focused shots.
It collapsed.
Fred ducked under the steam cloud, out of breath, watching as the last Titan, the massive one, turned toward him.
It didn't roar. It charged.
The ground shook. Fred's heart raced.
"Diversion pattern activated," Raphael said.
The drones split — two aimed at its joints, four circled for a neck shot. The Titan swung wildly, hitting one drone, but the others didn't miss. Within moments, its head hit the ground.
"Mission complete," Raphael said.
Reward Unlocked: Drone Weapon Upgrade— Extended Range — Prototype Laser Module Installed (Short Burst, High Precision)
Fred watched as two drones adjusted, their barrels shifting into sleek, sharp lenses.
"Nice," he muttered, wiping sweat off his brow. "One upgrade down."
The forest fell silent again. That deep, waiting silence. Then, the screen flashed again.
Mission Chain Updated
✔ Eliminate 20 Titans — COMPLETE
Next Objective: Set Up Temporary Shelter
Status: High Threat Area
Reward: Basic Survival Kit — Tent, Portable Tools, Water Filter, Firestarter Kit
"Finally," Fred said. "Some gear that isn't attached to a drone."
A soft whir sounded behind him. One of the drones lowered, dropping a small green cylinder with a beep before flying off.
Fred opened it. Inside: a small tarp, poles, paracord, a folding shovel, a steel water bottle, a tiny stove, and a tool kit.
"Alright. This I can work with."
He scanned the ridge nearby. It was a quiet, shaded spot with a rock wall and some trees for cover. Perfect.
Fred set to work.
In an hour, he had a simple shelter set up — not fancy, but it would keep him dry. He used the spade to dig a trench for rainwater, tied the tarp with poles and cord, and laid out the gear. It wasn't much, but it worked.
Five Days Later
Fred's shelter was now a small base. The tarp was reinforced, and he had a small water filter going. The drones helped with food and kept him safe.
The base wasn't perfect, but it was functional. Fred had even set up some traps and motion sensors for extra security.
His drones had also gotten better, with new laser upgrades and improved scouting skills. One of them even helped with food searches while Fred focused on other things.
His main goal? Survive. And maybe get out of this place.
The days were starting to blend together. Hunting, fixing the shelter, keeping the drones working — it felt endless. But then, something new popped up on the screen.
"New Task Available," Raphael said, his voice cutting through the quiet. "Objective: Research Titan Purification Serum. Reward: Transformation Serum — Can reverse Titan transformation and restore humanity."
Fred blinked at the screen, unsure if he had read it right. "Wait... what? Turn Titans back into humans?"
"Affirmative. The serum is designed to reverse the Titan transformation process. However, its exact method is classified. It requires a sample of Titan flesh and blood for synthesis."
Fred frowned. This could be the answer to something he hadn't considered — saving people from the Titans.
He glanced at the map Raphael sent him. A red dot blinked, marking a new waypoint. It wasn't far — about 4.5 kilometers northwest, deep in Titan territory.
Fred exhaled slowly. "Guess I'm heading out again."
"Caution advised," Raphael warned. "High concentration of Titans nearby. Proceed with care."
Grabbing his gear, Fred checked the drones' status, then set off, moving steadily through the forest.
Hours later, Fred arrived at the coordinates. The landscape had changed — jagged rocks, hills, and wide open spaces where trees had been cleared. The silence was deafening, broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves.
"Target detected," Raphael's voice crackled.
Fred crouched behind a rock. "How many?"
"Four Titans. One abnormal, 15 meters tall. Several regular Titans within a 300-meter radius."
Fred couldn't afford to rush in. He was in unfamiliar territory, and he had no idea how the serum would work once he had the Titan blood.
The drones spread out, forming a protective perimeter while Fred positioned himself for a better view.
The Titans appeared in the distance, moving clumsily. One abnormal was acting erratically, its body twisting unnaturally as it scanned the area.
"Diversion initiated," Raphael said.
The drones split, firing in perfect coordination. Explosions rocked the air as the first few Titans dropped to the ground. But the abnormal was faster. It charged toward Fred's position.
"Take cover!" Raphael shouted.
Fred dove behind a rock just as the abnormal's massive fist slammed into the ground where he had been standing. The shockwave sent a few drones spiraling out of control, but they quickly corrected themselves and kept attacking.
Fred steadied himself, watching as the drones continued their assault on the abnormal. The lasers cut into its skin, but it didn't fall easily. It was quick, dodging shots and swinging wildly.
Fred wasn't just watching anymore. He moved. He crept toward one of the fallen Titans, grabbed a sharp bone from its neck, and quickly slashed into the Titan's exposed artery. Dark, thick blood oozed out. Fred collected the blood in a small vial from his survival kit.
"Sample collected. Preparing for synthesis."
Fred didn't wait. The abnormal screeched, its attention snapping back to him. The drones rained down fire, and the Titan charged one last time. Fred didn't flinch. He had what he needed.
The drones focused their fire on the abnormal, cutting deep into its flesh until it collapsed to the ground.
"Targets neutralized," Raphael confirmed. "Objective complete."
Fred didn't feel victorious. His hand still gripped the vial.