The mechanical voice echoed persistently in his mind, awaiting his choice. Each path promised power, survival, and dominance—everything he had lacked in his previous life. He paused, carefully considering his options. The Warlord path was particularly enticing; dominating through sheer strength and tactical superiority seemed an easy route to survival. The image of commanding armies, crushing opponents with absolute power, was undeniably appealing.


    However, his thoughts soon shifted toward the Technomancer path. It offered adaptability, innovation, and above all, endless potential. The ability to harness technology, drones, turrets, and cybernetic enhancements promised not just strength, but an unlimited future. He vividly remembered how quickly circumstances had shifted in his past life; raw power could be overwhelmed, but technological mastery and adaptability were unbeatable.


    “Technomancer,” he finally decided, his voice steady with unwavering certainty.


    [Path Selected: Technomancer.] [Initializing Protocols...]


    His vision flickered, flooded momentarily with streams of data. Information surged through his consciousness, intricate blueprints, complex codes, and schematics unfolding in his mind like a blossoming digital flower. When it settled, his understanding of technology had reached heights he had never imagined.


    Opening his eyes, he took a deep breath. A faint glow emanated from his fingertips, and a holographic interface materialized before him, showing an inventory marked clearly:


    [Unlimited Space]


    A vast, infinite digital storage now existed at his command, awaiting items he wished to keep or summon at will. He tested the feature, placing the lamp beside his bed into the interface. It vanished instantly, stored safely within. With a simple thought, the lamp reappeared exactly where it had been.


    An almost childlike excitement coursed through him. Such power was unimaginable in his past life, where survival meant scavenging scraps and hoping to make it another day. Currently, his Technomancer abilities were at level 1, and the system granted him 200 starting points to purchase technological blueprints. These points were a one-time gift from the system, a starting advantage to jumpstart his preparations. To gain more points in the future, he would need to consume magic crystals dropped by monsters and zombies, or accomplish specific tasks assigned by the system. Curious, he mentally requested the system to display the available technologies. Everything available to him right now existed solely as blueprints—concepts and designs awaiting physical realization. Each blueprint represented data that his brain could directly learn, integrating seamlessly into his mind. Whenever he acquired a new blueprint, he briefly experienced a mild sensation of strain, accompanied by a slight headache, as the complex data embedded itself within his neural network.


    A holographic list instantly materialized, showcasing numerous low-tier technologies. The system clarified that the more technology he built, the faster and more proficient he''d become at creating advanced technologies. Additionally, he could increase his Technomancer level using points.


    After reviewing his options, Damian selected an assistant drone blueprint for manual labor tasks, which cost him 50 points. Next, he invested 100 points into exoskeleton suits for enhanced physical capabilities. Finally, he purchased a basic blade skill data for 50 points—information his brain instantly absorbed, embedding itself directly into his mind as if downloading a file. The skill wasn''t just knowledge; it was data integrated seamlessly into his neural pathways, immediately enhancing his understanding and capabilities. The moment he confirmed the purchase, knowledge flowed instantly into his mind, much like a human computer absorbing data. A sharp, brief headache followed, but it dissipated within seconds. Now, all he needed was a suitable place to begin building his new technology. Every chosen item remained theoretical, existing only as detailed blueprints; he still needed to bring them to life through careful construction.


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    Damian Hartwell, sole heir to the Hartwell family fortune, sat back on the edge of his bed, reflecting deeply on his past. Clear memories of his childhood as an orphan filled his mind. Those early years reminded him strongly of the harsh apocalypse he''d lived through—full of hunger, fear, and loneliness. Hunger, fear, and loneliness had defined his earliest years, every day a struggle just to survive. His life completely changed when his adoptive parents took him in. They gave him genuine love and warmth, raising him like their own child. Because of their kindness, he grew up believing deeply in helping others, which eventually led to his betrayal in the apocalypse. He had started life as a war orphan, alone in the world without family or security. His early years were harsh, filled with uncertainty and loneliness, until fate intervened when he was adopted by a wealthy couple at the age of six. His adoptive parents had suffered from infertility, and they had seen in him the possibility of a complete family.


    Overnight, he had become heir to billions, showered with every imaginable luxury. Yet, beneath that superficial comfort, the loneliness never truly faded. His adoptive parents had died tragically in a car accident a few years prior, leaving him sole inheritor of their immense fortune. Now, having just turned eighteen, he had full and unrestricted access to their vast wealth. It couldn''t have been more perfectly timed; he had reached adulthood precisely at the moment of his rebirth, granting him complete and immediate control over all the resources he needed to survive the coming apocalypse. The timing of his rebirth felt almost deliberate, a cruel yet perfect alignment.


    One of the reasons his adoptive parents chose him was his remarkable IQ of 150, classifying him as a genius so he can take over their assets in the future. He sighed, feeling a pang of guilt as he mentally apologized to his adoptive parents. But practicality quickly pushed sentimentality aside. They were already gone, and their possessions would be worthless in a year''s time anyway. He stood decisively and picked up his phone, calling his financial advisors and lawyers to arrange an immediate meeting. Their confusion was palpable as he outlined his intention: complete liquidation.


    “But sir, these assets are your family''s legacy,” one advisor protested, disbelief evident on his face.


    Another lawyer chimed in, “Surely you should reconsider; your parents spent their lifetimes building this fortune.”


    He stared coldly at them, his gaze unwavering. “Their fortune is meaningless now. Liquidate everything immediately.”


    A tense silence filled the room. Their expressions shifted between disbelief and confusion, but he didn''t flinch. He knew what awaited the world, and sentimental attachments had no place in his new reality.


    As they finally conceded, murmuring their reluctant agreement, he sighed inwardly. He offered a silent apology to his adoptive parents; they were gone, and now their wealth would serve a far greater purpose—ensuring his survival, his dominance.


    Outside, the city bustled ignorantly, unaware that its peaceful days were numbered. Stepping out into the daylight, he smiled coldly.


    He had one year to prepare. One year to become unstoppable.


    This time, he wouldn''t survive the apocalypse.


    He would conquer it.