Infinite Armory: Modern Weapon and Demonic Interface – [Nation-Building LITRPG]

Lisa, Bell, and Harris walked away from the encampment, the weight of their rucksacks pressing against their shoulders. They moved in a silent, practiced rhythm, their boots crunching softly on the underbrush. As they walked towards the northern plain, the landscape gradually opened up before them, revealing a vast expanse of open sky and the endless, rolling horizon.

Here, the ground was firmer, the air clearer, as if each step took them further away from the complexities of the forest they had left behind. There were no trees to obstruct their view, no dense foliage to navigate. This openness, while easier to traverse, exposed them to the elements and any watching eyes, a vulnerability they couldn't ignore, the monsters. 

"So, boss, what's the plan?"

"We head to the settlers, introduce ourselves, offer them some help, and if there's a refugee there, we'll bring them with us."

Harris, sipping on a freshly brewed cup of coffee from his thermos, raised an eyebrow. "How can you be so sure we'll find a refugee there?"

"The mass exodus to the north started two years ago, right when the undead numbers became unmanageable and the outbreak worsened dramatically. Towns, cities, villages... they were all gradually abandoned, leaving only empty shells behind. Their residents are either dead or have fled. The southern coalition's goal to exterminate the demonic presence, with the infection worsening in colder climates, has inadvertently created the perfect trap, I must admit."

Lisa paused, her thoughts deepening, as they continued their journey through the frostbitten landscape. The conversation about the mysterious disease had clearly captured her interest. As a medical professional, the term 'outbreak' sparked her immediate concern.

"Bell, what you described about the disease worsening with healing spells... it's quite fascinating," she began. "If it specifically targets demons, resembles Ebola in its behavior, and has an adverse reaction to healing spells, it suggests a highly specialized pathogen."

Bell, not well-versed in medical jargon, looked puzzled. "So, what does that actually mean?"

Lisa elaborated, "Imagine a virus that only attacks specific cells, in this case, those found in demons. It's as if the virus knows precisely what to target, which is evident from your observation that it affects only demons."

Harris, who had been listening intently, chimed in with a question. "But why do healing spells worsen the situation?"

Lisa nodded, "It appears that healing spells, though intended to be beneficial, might inadvertently accelerate the body's defense mechanisms. Think of it as your body mistakenly fighting against itself. The virus might trigger this reaction, and healing spells could potentially hasten this self-destructive process."

Bell, now slightly more enlightened but still worried, asked, "Then why does the cold exacerbate the disease?"

Lisa simplified her explanation. "You know how some illnesses worsen in cold weather? That's often because the cold impairs your body's ability to combat the illness. Now, picture this virus as an adversary specially trained to attack demons. In warmer conditions, your body can resist more effectively. But in the cold, your defenses weaken, allowing the virus to inflict greater damage. That's the basic idea, though I can't be certain without more research—I'm not a pathologist, after all."

Bell nodded, now understanding the concept. "So, we need to keep the infected warm and hold off on using healing spells until we figure out a better treatment approach."

"Exactly," Lisa confirmed.

Bell, looking thoughtful, then asked, "As a doctor with future knowledge, what would you recommend?"

"I'll draft a guideline about it later," Lisa responded thoughtfully. "For fever and pain, I'd suggest using Paracetamol, 500 mg every 4 to 6 hours, or Ibuprofen, 400 mg every 6 to 8 hours. To prevent dehydration, a mixture of 6 teaspoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt per liter of water would be effective. I might start with Prednisone, around 5 to 10 mg daily, for autoimmune reactions. The key is to keep patients warm and refrain from using healing spells. Without detailed information on the disease, that's the best I can do for now."

"Okay, I don't understand half of what you just said, but I'll trust your judgment," Bell replied with a casual shrug.

"I'm with you on that, boss," Harris chimed in, echoing Bell's sentiment.

As they resumed their journey, the snowy plain stretched out before them once again. Bell was acutely aware that reaching the settlement on foot would be a long and arduous trek, especially without horses or any form of transportation. Just as he was resigning himself to the long walk ahead, Harris offered a suggestion.

"Boss, why don't you summon a car? Walking there will take ages," Harris proposed.

"A car? Are you kidding? It'd be stuck in the snow in no time," Bell retorted. He knew all too well that cars from his era were hardly suited for such conditions: thin tires, low-powered engines, and a notorious inability to start in cold temperatures. In this terrain, they would be just as vulnerable. Unless they were talking about some kind of prototype tank that never made it out of the factory, Bell's skepticism seemed well-founded.

Lisa quickly offered a solution. "Bell, the cars of the future are quite different from what you're used to. For terrains like this, we use all-terrain vehicles. They're built to handle tough conditions, including deep snow."

Bell's interest was piqued, yet he remained skeptical. "All-terrain? Can it really navigate through all this snow without getting stuck?"

"Absolutely," Lisa assured him confidently. "Consider something like the JLTV – the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle. It's sturdy, equipped with four-wheel drive, and designed specifically for rough terrains like this. They're also armored, which makes them safer in potentially hostile environments."

Harris nodded, seeing the practicality of Lisa's suggestion. "It would definitely speed up our journey to the settlement and increase our safety. Plus, we could carry more supplies and potentially bring back more refugees."

Bell mulled over the idea. The prospect of a vehicle capable of smoothly traversing the snowy landscape was certainly appealing. "Alright, let's go for a JLTV then. It'll be a huge asset for reaching the settlers and returning. But, you'll need to teach me how to drive it, if that's okay."

"Of course," Lisa agreed with a nod.

[Items & Logistics Department Interface] [Search: JLTV ] [Open Sell Menu] [EP: 276,350] 

[Oshkosh JLTV + M2 Remote Weapon Station] [150,000 EP]

[Total: 150,000 EP] [Purchase?]

"If you're trying to empty my wallet, you're doing a great job. Is there a less expensive option?" Bell inquired.

"Are you considering the standard model?" Lisa questioned.

"Yeah, are there different versions?" Bell asked, curious.

Lisa suggested, "We should add the M230LF. With Harris here, the extra firepower could come in handy." She glanced at Harris as she spoke.

"Why does my being on the team necessitate a 30mm autocannon?" Harris wondered, perplexed.

"It's always better to err on the side of caution, right?" Lisa said with a smile.

"Bell, don't buy into her logic. The M2 Browning should be more than sufficient," Harris interjected.

Bell, looking back at the interface, asked, "How much does the M230LF variant cost?"

[Items & Logistics Department Interface] [Search: JLTV M230LF ] [Open Sell Menu] [EP: 276,350] 

[Oshkosh JLTV + M230LF Remote Weapon Station] [250,000 EP]

[Total: 250,000 EP] [Purchase?]

"Wow, Lisa, choosing that option just ate up more than half our budget. We'll be in the red if we go through with this purchase," Bell protested even more strongly.

"I know, right?" Harris chimed in, agreeing with Bell.

"Fine, we'll stick with the regular M2," Lisa conceded, rolling her eyes.

With the decision settled, Bell initiated the summoning process. Moments later, a rugged, military-grade JLTV appeared before them. Its heavy-duty tires and reinforced body looked more than capable of navigating the snow-covered plains. The vehicle sported a white finish with hints of green, blending utility with a touch of camouflage.

The team quickly loaded their supplies into the vehicle. Bell climbed into the driver's seat, immediately noticing the vehicle's size was much larger than any car he had driven, either as a prime minister or during his chauffeur days. Inside, he found no traditional ignition lever or visible transmission. It felt like entering a box of technological wonders, complete with an array of unfamiliar buttons.

Lisa took the seat beside him, while Harris manned the remote weapon station, which was equipped with the CROWS M2 Browning loaded with .50 BMG ammunition, ready to obliterate anything from husks to skeletons. Bell gripped the steering wheel, familiarizing himself with the pedals – there were only two. One for gas, the other for brake. But where was the clutch?

Lisa activated the engine with a button press and then hit the 'D' button on the dashboard. "It's pretty straightforward, just drive like normal," she instructed.

Bell tightly gripped the steering wheel of the JLTV, his gaze moving over the unfamiliar buttons and screens. The lack of a clutch and the presence of only two pedals – gas and brake – initially felt disorienting but also piqued his curiosity.

As he gently pressed the gas pedal, the vehicle's powerful engine rumbled to life beneath them, moving forward with unexpected smoothness. "This is... different," Bell said, his voice a blend of awe and caution.

Lisa offered an encouraging smile. "Start slow, you'll get used to it soon enough."

The JLTV handled the snow-covered terrain with ease, its tires maintaining a firm grip even on slippery surfaces. Bell's confidence grew as he gradually increased the speed, the vehicle's advanced suspension system smoothing out the rough patches of ground, providing a surprisingly comfortable ride.

Harris, vigilant at the remote weapon station, kept his eyes fixed on the horizon. "Got to admit, this beats walking by a long shot," he remarked.

As they delved deeper into the northern plains, the landscape around them grew increasingly barren, a vast expanse of white stretching endlessly. Bell, now more comfortable at the helm, maneuvered the JLTV skillfully, impressed by its performance.

"It's like driving a tank, just without the bulk," Bell observed, visibly more relaxed. "Never thought I'd be behind the wheel of something like this."

Lisa, watching Bell adapt to the modern vehicle, felt a sense of satisfaction. "You're doing a great job, Bell. This will definitely speed up our journey and keep us safe."

The JLTV continued its steady progress through the snow, the hum of its engine a reassuring presence in the silent, icy wilderness. As they moved forward, the map indicated they were drawing ever closer to the settlers, their next step to assess the situation upon arrival.