The Siberian wind had calmed, but the silence after the storm was more chilling than the blizzard itself.
You sat in Safehouse Omega, staring at the cryptic files you'd pulled from Cryo Site Nexus. Subject Zero's genetic signature matched yours at
94 per cent—almost like a twin born from a dark science experiment. Whatever this thing was, it wasn't just an enemy. It was a shadow of yourself.
You checked the latest sensor readings:
[Tracking Module Active] [Subject Zero – Movement Detected: 12 km east of Cryo Site] [Estimated Velocity: 24 km/h – On Foot] [Environmental Status: Arctic Tundra]
Your system calculated probable escape routes, factoring in terrain, snow cover, and possible hostile engagement zones. You had to catch it before it vanished into the endless white.
Into the Frozen Wasteland
You packed light — tactical boots, reinforced armour with thermal regulation, and your weapons holstered beneath your cloak. No one knew you were here. No one knew you existed.
You moved swiftly across the tundra, the crunch of ice and snow underfoot the only sound in the empty landscape. Each step was deliberate, guided by the steady ping of your tracking system.
Hours passed. The sun never rose, but a pale glow lit the horizon. You reached a small cave entrance partially obscured by frost and fallen ice.
Your instincts screamed caution.
The Hidden Cavern
Inside, the temperature shifted abruptly — less freezing, but eerily damp. The cave walls glistened with thin sheets of ice, cracks revealing veins of mineral deposits.
Your system flagged movement ahead.
[Threat Detection: Multiple Hostiles – Estimated 3] [Threat Type: Unknown, Heavy Footprints]
You crouched low, activating your newly gained polar reflexes. Your senses sharpened — every breath, every slight sound heightened. Ahead, you caught glimpses of large, hulking figures moving in the shadows.
They weren't human.
The Ambush
Suddenly, one lunged.
The fight erupted in a burst of movement. You ducked the heavy blow, countering with a precise strike to the attacker's exposed joint. Your martial arts skill, honed with every system upgrade, flowed naturally — every punch, kick, and block was efficient and lethal.
Your opponent fell, growling low, as the other two closed in.
Adaptation at Work
Your body reacted faster than ever. The cold-hardened passive skill kept the biting chill at bay as your reflexes accelerated. You evaded a crushing blow and delivered a spinning kick that sent another foe sprawling.
As you moved, your system updated:
[Combat Experience Gained: +250 XP] [Level Progress: 17 – 45% → 55%]
[New Passive Trait: Adaptive Reflexes – Minor increase in reaction time during combat.]
One attacker managed a desperate grab. You twisted free, then delivered a knockout blow with the side of your fist.
The last enemy hesitated. You locked eyes — the moment stretched — then it turned and fled deeper into the cave.
Deeper Pursuit
You chased, breath heavy in the cold air. The cavern widened into an underground frozen lake, its surface cracked and shimmering.
And there, standing at the centre, was Subject Zero.
Face to Face
The creature resembled you but was distorted — eyes glowing a pale blue, skin pale as the ice, and muscles taut like a predator's.
It spoke in a voice both yours and not yours.
"Why have you come?"
You tightened your stance.
"To stop you."
Its expression twisted in something like pain.
"I am what they made. But I am more. I am free."
You saw in its eyes a flicker of recognition — or was it desperation?
The Battle Begins
Without warning, it lunged.
You met its attack with everything you had. The fight was brutal, a blur of fists and energy, cold and heat clashing beneath the cavern roof.
Every hit you took was a lesson learnt, every move from your opponent a puzzle to solve.
The system pulsed:
[Innate Talent Progress: Adaptation Core 95% → 96.5%]
You knew this battle was only the beginning.