The First Steps to Survival

Shen Mu took a deep breath and stared at the interface in front of him. The fortress needed to be upgraded right away, but he could not be too careless. Points on the system were precious; he had no idea when he might come across such points in the future. He had to think strategically.

His hand had lingered in the "Resource Management" menu, but then the system picked up on him and seemed as though it's reading his thoughts before he's going to seal the deal into buying anything at all.

New Quest Available

Scavenge for Supplies

Gather supplies in the region to help secure the fortress. Rewards: 100 System Points

It was a straightforward quest, and that was what he needed. Shen Mu's eyes narrowed in on the notice. A tiny but necessary reward, just enough to get going. He did not hesitate another moment before accepting the quest.

The exterior of the fortress was quite strong, but the interior required improvement. There was still a lack of water, food, medical supplies, and other essentials. Scavenging in the nearby city would enable him to gather resources for the next step in his plan.

Luo Qi, Zhao Ling," he shouted across his shoulder, turning to where the two survivors sat waiting. They had rested here since arriving at the fortress, but it was time to go. "We have to stock up.

Zhao Ling nodded. Her face stiffened as well. She was on high alert since they came into the fortress, but trust in Shen Mu grew stronger by the day. Luo Qi stood up and flinched while getting his body off the floor. He hadn't even slept for two whole days and yet he could already feel his bruises healing. This made his mood sourer still.

"Do you really need me to go?" Luo Qi questioned, attempting to stand upright though it pained him a bit.

Shen Mu didn't respond immediately. He had been aware of Luo Qi's injuries since they first met, but it seemed like the man would rather push through the pain than admit defeat.

"I need everyone," Shen Mu said firmly. "If you're in too much pain, stay here and keep an eye on the fortress. I'll go with Zhao Ling. We'll be back shortly."

Luo Qi hesitated for a little moment before agreeing. "Good, just beware."

Shen Mu turned and nodded to Zhao Ling, whom she had almost completely prepared before heading out toward the fortress while still wearing expressions unreadable at this time and a determined manner.

As they neared the outskirts, the destruction intensified. The half-collapsed structures stood like dead skeletons, silhouettes standing mute testimony to a forgotten long past. Broken debris littered the streets with an eerie stillness, until the distant, occasional growls of mutated beasts broke the tension.

They moved cautiously, keeping to the shadows of the ruins. Zhao Ling stayed close to him, her senses alert, scanning for danger. Shen Mu had learned long ago that the world wasn't just dangerous because of the creatures; the other survivors were often just as deadly.

He guided Zhao Ling forward, instructing him to move quietly as he led the young man toward an adjacent warehouse. He tested the door, then pushed against the hinges to prove that it opened easily. Through the doors open crack there wafted a smell of mold and rot. A minute storage area beyond the door filled with broken furniture, boxes, and some crated rot sat in silence.

"Anything useful?" Zhao Ling asked, moving inside cautiously.

Shen Mu scanned the room quickly. There was nothing of immediate use to the fortress—just junk. But then, in the corner, a faint glimmer caught his eye. A small, plastic container labeled "First Aid Kit." Shen Mu moved toward it, ignoring the stale air and grabbing the container. He opened it to reveal a few medical supplies: bandages, antiseptic wipes, and some painkillers.

"Not much," he muttered under his breath, but it was better than nothing.

Zhao Ling nodded, already searching through the other crates. "There's always something hidden away in these places."

After some more digging, they found some more supplies—a small can of gasoline, rations that quite clearly had been abandoned in a rush to get out of there, and a flashlight that still functioned. It was nothing much, but it would all amount to something.

"Let's head back," Shen Mu said a while later, nodding to Zhao Ling.

As they headed back toward the fortress, Shen Mu was contented. They found and gathered supplies, and it was a completed quest. He connected with the interface of the system to receive the reward notice.

[Quest Completed: Scavenge for Supplies]

[You have gained 100 System Points]

He could smile faintly as he saw the points appear in his inventory. It was not much, but something was always better than nothing. The next step, however, was evident.

They returned to the fortress immediately, storing supplies in the pre-allocated spots and returning back to the control room. Shen Mu activated the system interface this time, using enough points for his first round of purchases.

He needed some basics first – something that will help them get by in the short term.

[System Shop Available]

Available Points: 100

Items Available for Purchase:

Portable Water Purifier (100 Points)

Farming Tools Set (200 Points)

Food Storage Unit (150 Points)

Shen Mu looked through the options that were available to him. They couldn't consume the water due to its contaminated state, but they needed water purification. Thus, he checked off the option and confirmed.

You have bought: Portable Water Purifier (100 Points)

In his hands was a small, soft-glowing device that seemed sleek and compact. He would be able to filter lots of water with this device to supply the remaining people. That was one of the most precious things in this post-apocalyptic world: clean water.

Presently, with nothing left but 0 points, Shen Mu set his focus on the castle. His brain was already coming up with what to do next. He had the material to survive for at least a little while longer, but there were still so many threats out there. The Crimson Fangs loomed over him, and he could not allow himself to rest on his laurels.

There was still much that the system could do, and with each day that went by, Shen Mu knew he would have to use it more and more. For now, however, the immediate task was to ensure the survivors were safe and secure.

We will need more supplies," he said, addressing Zhao Ling and Luo Qi, who were now back in the control room. "We have to push forward. We're not done yet with the fight."

Luo Qi nodded hard with resolve as his eyes buckled onto his partner. "We'll do whatever it takes.

Shen Mu did not say a word more. He knew the world had been changed forever and that there was no going back. All they could do was survive—and perhaps rebuild something from the ashes of the old world.

The road ahead was uncertain, but Shen Mu was ready.