Infinite - Volume 1

Chapter 13: We've Come To Collect

"GAME OVER"

"FUCK!" Evan shouted, frustration and determination mingling in his voice.

"Keep going," Robot Buddy urged. "Each attempt makes you stronger."

Evan nodded, a fire igniting within him. With each setback, he learned, adapting and growing.

As the room reset once more, the desert scene unfolded around Evan like a familiar but unforgiving challenge. The agent stood nearby, eyes glinting with the same malevolent focus as before. Without hesitation, the agent hurled another beam of energy toward Evan.

Evan stood his ground, whispering the word, "Invincible." The beam slammed into him, but this time, it dissipated harmlessly, a mere whisper of force against his unwavering form. Grinning with newfound confidence, Evan whispered, "Teleport," vanishing from his spot and reappearing behind the agent in a silent blink.

Evan balled his fist, ready to strike, but before his punch connected, the agent moved with blinding speed. He spun around, his grip like a vice as he caught Evan's fist, bones crunching as though they were paper. Evan cried out in pain, but the assault was relentless. The agent's other hand morphed into a gleaming blade, piercing Evan's chest with chilling precision. Evan gasped, the illusion of pain so real it stole his breath as the sword drove through his heart.

"GAME OVER"

Staring down in disbelief at his unharmed chest, Evan's shock was palpable. Every injury, every bruise and scar nonexistent, yet the memory of pain lingered vividly. "What the fuck... the pain... it felt so real," he muttered, trying to shake off the sensation.

Robot Buddy's voice was calm, though tinged with seriousness. "Yes, this simulation room defies reality, making every simulation as real as possible without the finality of death."

Evan's thoughts whirled with doubt. "Fuck. What if I can't beat this guy?"

Robot Buddy's response was candid. "I don't think you can-not in your current state. I recommend enhancing your physical form."

Taking the advice to heart, Evan focused inward, imagining himself moving faster than a speeding bullet, strength coursing through his veins. "Super speed," he whispered, feeling the power surge within him, a heady rush that made him feel invincible. His resolve was renewed, and with a determined grin, he declared, "Let's do this shit again."

The simulation reset, the desert once more unfolding around them. This time, Evan was ready to meet the challenge head on, each setback a lesson, every failure a step closer to mastery. In this battle of mind and might, Evan was determined to prevail.

As the simulation commenced again, the desert materialized with its relentless heat. The agent appeared, energy beam crackling to life, but Evan was ready. Combining his teleportation with super speed, he zipped behind the agent, delivering a decisive punch aimed at his adversary's chin.

Just as the agent spun around, Evan's fist connected with a crunch, pain flaring through his hand. Then the agent twisted, grabbing Evan's neck in an iron grip, squeezing until a sharp pain shot down Evan's spine.

"GAME OVER"

"FUUUCK!" Evan roared, frustration boiling over.

Robot Buddy's voice cut through Evan's frustration. "I recommend enhancing your super strength. While you're fast, your body can't yet handle the force of your movements."

Focusing inward, Evan visualized lifting a semi-truck, whispering, "Strength." Another wave of energy surged through him, fortifying his resolve. "Let's do this shit."

The simulation reset. This time, before the agent could fire off a beam, Evan teleported behind him, swinging hard. His fist struck the agent's chin with devastating force, sending the enemy hurtling sideways into a sand dune. Evan stood tall, smirking at his triumph, "Take that."