When Shaw finally arrived at the 33rd Precinct, she was once again covered in blood. The number of NPCs she had to cut through on the way was beyond count, and many of them were level 5 and above. They were hardly pushovers.

In one case, Shaw ran into a level 7 NPC who took the form of a tree. It pretended to be an innocent plant on the side of the road, only to strike at unsuspecting victims when they walked by. The disguise even managed to fool Shaw, and before she knew it, a dozen branches wrapped themselves around her and almost crushed her alive. If she saw the attack coming, she probably could’ve gotten out of the way, but it took her completely by surprise.

Theoretically speaking, she could see the NPC’s info card if she focused on it, but she had no reason for paying so much attention to a random tree. If she scanned every object she came across, it would take her weeks to get to her destination.

Thankfully, Shaw wisely made the choice to save up many of her DAPs after upgrading enough so she wouldn’t be instantly killed by NPCs. As soon as she could, she spent all her available DAPs in upgrading her Strength. With the newly found power, she broke free and tore the tree apart piece by piece before collecting a sweet gold loot box for her efforts.

With the 2,000 exp the tree so generously provided, Shaw was able to reach level 6 way earlier than she expected.

Amy Shaw

Level 6 (2810 / 6400)

Strength: 38

Reflex: 33

Regeneration: 18

Psychic: 0

Disposable Attribute Point: 5

Career: Warrior

Sub-Class: None

Abilities: Charge. Fortify. Resilience.

By the time she reached the make-shift blockade erected by the police officers around the precinct, Shaw had to admit she was somewhat impressed. The local police force reacted rather professionally, considering all that had happened. She also couldn’t see too many spawn points in close proximity to the precinct, which meant a swarm of NPCs wouldn't try to besiege the precinct anytime soon. The amount of people in the precinct would eventually attract plenty of NPCs their way, but it should take a while at least.

The precinct shouldn’t be in any immediate danger, not from external attacks anyway.

The squad of officers standing guard at the blockade saw her coming. They were a little cautious, and rightfully so. It had been a while since they received any more survivors. In fact, Shaw was the first to arrive after the wave of howling last night. Moreover, she was alone, wielding a weapon, and covered in blood.

If this was two days ago, the officers would’ve had their weapons drawn on her and barked for her to get on her knees.

Thankfully, things have changed, and even the officers at the entrance knew a thing or two about the ‘gifted’ individuals who enjoyed enhanced attributes and all sorts of strange weapons and abilities. After asking Shaw some questions, they let her into the precinct.

In the future, factions would put a lot of attention in players, especially high-level players. Most sentries were ordered to keep suspicious players either out of the settlement altogether or at least somewhat contained and monitored. Few would be stupid enough to let a potentially hostile superhuman into their home. Alas, this was just a day into the Launch. These officers have yet to understand the significance of players, especially since they haven’t seen any high-level ones in action.

As soon as she walked through the main gate, Shaw found herself frowning. She was welcomed by a storm of conversation from a hundred different sets of lips. There were people everywhere. In the corners. Along the walls. On the tables. On the benches. Within seconds, she spotted two groups of people involved in a heated argument while a handful of officers tried to calm them down. Even more officers were sitting or standing on the side, not bothering to waste their time with such trivial matters.

Even in the police precinct, there was little order. The people here were desperate, afraid, and broken. For most survivors, this would be their case for the rest of their lives. Shaw pitied them, but she had no intention of helping them. She could save a handful and make their lives a lot better, but in the end, it would all be futile.

Some people would call her pessimistic. Shaw considered these people to be spot on.

For a few minutes, Shaw just stood there and looked around the floor, not really sure of what to do. This precinct would be a good temporary place for her to stay when she needed to rest after plenty of hunting, and the more people there were, the more NPCs would be attracted in their direction. The question was how should she interact with the leaders of this settlement. If she wanted to stay here, she had no intention of sleeping on the floor right beside these common survivors.

Perhaps she could demonstrate her power in front of these leaders? Show them the value she could offer them in exchange for special treatment? Or maybe she could straight up take over this precinct by force? It was a tempting idea, but that would mean she had to deal with hundreds of strangers, and that thought horrified her.

Just as she was wandering through her options, Shaw suddenly sensed someone walking up to her. She turned and glanced at him. It was a man around thirty years old. Interestingly, he was wearing a white buttoned shirt. Shaw could see a few spots of blood on the shirt, but they had been made faint, likely by the man’s attempt to clean them off.

That was an interesting detail for Shaw. Most survivors at this stage wouldn’t really be worried about keeping themselves clean.

“Can I help you?” Shaw spoke first.

The man replied with a polite smile on his face. He looked like he was greeting a friend he had known for twenty years, not a stranger whose name he didn't even know.

“Welcome to the 33rd Precinct. My name is Baron.” He held his hand out for a handshake. When Shaw didn't say or do anything, he quickly pulled his hand back without looking the slightest embarrassed. “It’s a pleasure to meet another player. Well, the cops here call us ‘gifted’, but that doesn’t really make much sense. Some of us decided that since this whole mess feels like a game, with the levels and monsters and everything, we decided to call ourselves players. Either way, I am a level 4 Soldier myself.”

“Congrats.” Honestly, Shaw really didn't know what else to say. She was never the best at socializing. “Again, can I help you?”

“I was just wondering if you would like to join me and my friends for a drink.” Baron continued despite Shaw’s dry response. He was determined to have a good chat with Shaw. “I have been talking to some of the other players in the precinct. If you’d like, I can introduce them to you. It is always a good idea to find trustworthy and capable people to stick together with, especially at a time like this.”

Shaw's lips curled up, mildly amused. If she read this correctly, Baron was trying to...recruit her? Well, recruiting was not really the right word. He wanted to befriend her. Potentially become allies with her. Normally, she would quickly reject such a proposal, but this case was a little different.

A level 4 Soldier at this phase of the game was impressive, and Shaw felt like he had significant potential in the future to become a valuable asset. Plus, as a newcomer, she could use some help from Baron and his friends to get to know the environment. So she slowly nodded and went along with him. Her tone also softened a little. It wasn't perfect, but she was trying her best to be nice.

“Thank you. I would really appreciate it. My name is Shaw, by the way.”

An even wider smile climbed onto Baron’s face as he guided Shaw deeper into the building. As they were walking past the hallways, the two started chatting.

When it comes to combat capabilities, Shaw was ten times more powerful than Baron, but in terms of communicating and socializing, Baron was so much better than Shaw. Instead of demanding to know who Shaw was and which level she was at, Baron started by telling stories about himself. He talked about his career, what he did on the day of the Launch, and how he ended up here.

“Eventually, we ran into some police officers and finally made it back to the precinct. You know...at the time, I have to admit that I expected a lot. I was hoping to help the police officers rescue and protect people. I mean...I am level 4! I am like superman! Maybe a very watered-down version, but still quite powerful!” Baron chuckled, mocking himself. “But no. The one in charge of the precinct, Captain Larson or something, decided to treat us just like any of the level 0 survivors out there! I’ve stabbed a level 3 giant boar in the eye and killed it, and they seem to think we are the ones that need to be protected!”

“Well, it’s just been a day. Give them some time.” Shaw replied quietly. “We players are the future. That is the reality, and it will not be changed by the fact that some people won’t accept it.”

Her words made Baron grin a little. The man seemed very satisfied with her response. Oddly so. That was when Shaw asked something.

“Baron, is there any chance you have seen or heard about an officer by the name of Emily? She might have returned to the precinct at some point last night. She might have been joined by a handful of survivors, some of them players as well.”

Shaw didn't know for sure that Emily was among those that survived, but she had to start from there.

To her pleasant surprise, Baron actually nodded.

“Oh, Emily. I know her.” He suddenly raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Wait...you’re Shaw! I’ve heard of you! Oh...how did I not realize this sooner!” He snapped to the woman beside her. “Some of the players I’ve been talking to came in with Emily. You’re the one that stayed behind and covered their retreat, right? Many of them thought you were killed by that...spider?”

“I believe so, yes.” Shaw nodded.

Even as Baron said this, his eyes flickered. One of the players told him the spider was at level 5, but this woman before her stayed behind to fight it and still emerged more or less unscathed. Baron didn't know if she ran from it or if she straight up killed it. Either way, she was at least at level 4, if not much higher. Judging from that and the fact that this woman made her way to the precinct alive and alone...she was strong. Possibly stronger than him and every player he had encountered.

If he could befriend her...just like that, Baron started flinging out compliments.

“That was very brave of you. For that, you will always have my respect. Anyway, Emily did come back last evening. However, she is a police officer and the cops have their own area, so we didn't really have much chance to interact since she came in. She should be in a meeting right now though.” Once again, Baron snickered. “Earlier this morning, Captain Larson called for a meeting. A lot of people were invited, but not us players. It seems like they are content with ignoring us for the time being. This is idiotic on their part."

Shaw glanced at Baron once again, but she didn't say anything.