Chapter 2: Preparing for the End

The morning sun peeked through the dusty blinds, casting slivers of light across the cluttered room. Zhou Kai stood before the mirror, his hands clenched into fists. Gone was the despair and helplessness he once felt. In its place burned a fierce resolve.

This time, I won't be weak. I won't be betrayed.

He took a deep breath, his eyes sharp with determination. He had one day before the world fell apart. One day to prepare for the nightmare that would consume everything.

> [Ding! New Quest: Daily Training Routine]

[Objective: Complete a morning workout]

Push-ups: 0/100

Sit-ups: 0/100

Running: 0/100 meters

[Reward: 100 EXP, +1 Strength, +1 Endurance]

[Failure Penalty: None]

Zhou Kai's eyes widened as the quest window hovered before him. A workout quest? It seemed simple enough, but in a world ruled by strength, even a slight boost could make the difference between life and death.

His lips curled into a grin. "No room for excuses. Let's get to work."

Dropping to the floor, he positioned himself for the first set of push-ups. His muscles trembled with each rep, his body still weak from his previous life's neglect. But he pushed through, gritting his teeth as sweat dripped down his face.

> [Push-ups: 20/100]

Only twenty? I'm weaker than I thought... Zhou Kai's frustration only fueled his determination. He took a deep breath and continued, his arms burning with effort.

> [Push-ups: 50/100]

[Push-ups: 80/100]

[Push-ups: 100/100 – Complete!]

He collapsed on his back, his chest heaving. But there was no time to rest. He sat up, positioning himself for the next exercise.

"Alright... Sit-ups next."

His core muscles protested, but Zhou Kai forced himself to keep going. Each rep reminded him of his weakness, of his past self who could only rely on others. Not anymore.

> [Sit-ups: 50/100]

[Sit-ups: 100/100 – Complete!]

Panting, he rolled onto his side, his body screaming in exhaustion. But his eyes burned with determination. "One more... Just one more..."

He stumbled to his feet, his legs wobbling. A quick glance at the quest window showed the final task.

> [Running: 0/100 meters]

He tightened his shoelaces and stepped outside, the cold morning air stinging his lungs. The neighborhood was quiet, unaware of the disaster that awaited them. Zhou Kai's heart tightened. If only they knew...

With a deep breath, he started running. His legs felt heavy, his muscles aching with each step. But he pushed himself forward, his mind focused on the faces of Lin Mei and Liu Chen.

I won't be weak. I won't be betrayed. I won't let history repeat itself.

> [Running: 50/100 meters]

[Running: 100/100 – Complete!]

He skidded to a stop, his chest heaving as he bent over, gasping for air. His entire body was on fire, but the pain was proof that he was alive. Proof that he was getting stronger.

> [Ding! Daily Training Routine Completed!]

[Reward: 100 EXP, +1 Strength, +1 Endurance]

[Level Up!]

[Level: 3]

A warm surge of energy flowed through him, easing his exhaustion. His body felt lighter, his muscles stronger. Zhou Kai grinned, his fists clenching with newfound power.

This system... It's incredible. If I keep this up, I'll be unstoppable.

But he wasn't done yet. Training was only the beginning. He still needed supplies, weapons, and skills. The apocalypse would start tomorrow, and he wouldn't waste this second chance.

> [New Quest: Prepare for the Apocalypse]

[Objective: Gather Supplies and Weapons]

[Progress: 0%]

[Reward: 500 EXP, Inventory Expansion]

[Failure Penalty: Death]

Zhou Kai's eyes narrowed as he read the quest details. Time to stock up.

His mind raced as he made a list of essentials—food, water, medicine, weapons. He needed to be ready for anything. And he needed to do it fast.

He turned back toward his apartment, his body sore but his spirit unbreakable. Tomorrow, the world would end. But this time, he would be ready.

This time... he would survive.

End of Chapter 2