Gathering Strength

The city was eerily silent.

The only sounds were the crunch of broken glass beneath their feet and the distant howling of wind through empty buildings.

Ryo glanced at the sky.

The system's countdown hovered above like a looming executioner's blade:

[2 Days Until the Second Scenario Begins]

They had time—but not much.

After resting in a half-collapsed supermarket, the group took inventory of their resources.

Haruto held a sturdy wooden bow with a small quiver of arrows.

"Not bad," he muttered, testing the tension of the bowstring. "I used to do archery in school, so I think I can handle this."

Shiori examined a curved dagger, testing its weight in her palm.

"I would've preferred a sword," she admitted, "but this is better than nothing."

Kael remained silent, his sword resting across his lap.

Ryo, meanwhile, checked his system shop.

He still had 350 coins left.

He needed to spend them wisely.

He scrolled through the shop, mentally filtering out anything unnecessary.

Then he saw it.

[Basic Reinforcement (One-Time Use) – 250 Coins]

▶ Enhances a chosen weapon, increasing durability and sharpness.

Ryo immediately bought it and applied it to his sword.

A faint glow surrounded the blade before fading.

When he tested the edge, it felt sharper—stronger.

"Good. This might just save my life."

With his remaining 100 coins, he bought a small ration pack—enough food to last a day.

"We need a plan," Ryo said, looking at the others. "The second scenario won't be easy."

Kael nodded. "What do you know about it?"

Ryo hesitated.

He couldn't reveal that he already knew everything from the novel.

"I have a feeling it will be a survival challenge," he said instead. "We should stock up on supplies—food, water, medicine. If we can find a defensible location, even better."

Shiori crossed her arms. "Easier said than done. Most places are either destroyed or crawling with monsters."

Haruto sighed. "Still, it's better than waiting around doing nothing."

Ryo agreed.

Every second counted.

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To Be Continued…