Chapter 3: Gathering Supplies

Zhou Kai wasted no time. His body still ached from the morning workout, but his mind was sharper than ever. Every second counted. Tomorrow, chaos would descend, and the unprepared would be the first to die.

His eyes scanned the quest screen.

> [New Quest: Prepare for the Apocalypse]

[Objective: Gather Supplies and Weapons]

[Progress: 0%]

[Reward: 500 EXP, Inventory Expansion]

[Failure Penalty: Death]

He didn't need a reminder of what failure meant. His memories were enough. The screams, the blood, the hopelessness... He clenched his fists, his eyes cold. Never again.

His first target was the supermarket down the street. By tomorrow, it would be overrun with desperate survivors and the first wave of zombies. But today, it was just an ordinary store.

Zhou Kai grabbed his backpack, strapping the Survival Knife to his belt. As he left his apartment, the familiar sights of his neighborhood greeted him. People walked by, oblivious to the looming disaster. It was surreal, knowing they were all living their last day of normalcy.

If they only knew... Zhou Kai shook his head. He couldn't save everyone. He had to focus on himself.

Arriving at the supermarket, he wasted no time. Grabbing a cart, he moved swiftly through the aisles, his mind racing with everything he needed.

Food, water, medicine, tools, weapons... Anything that could help me survive.

He piled canned food and bottled water into his cart. Long-lasting, easy to carry. He grabbed basic medical supplies—bandages, antiseptics, painkillers. The pharmacy aisle was untouched, fully stocked. It felt like a blessing.

> [Progress: 30%]

Next, he moved to the hardware section. A crowbar, duct tape, rope, and a utility knife. Simple tools, but they could be lifesavers.

His eyes fell on a display of camping gear. Perfect. He grabbed a backpack with more space, a portable stove, and a sleeping bag.

> [Progress: 60%]

As he moved through the store, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. His new Danger Sense skill was tingling, a faint but persistent warning. Zhou Kai's grip tightened on his knife. Am I being followed?

Turning the corner, he caught sight of a familiar face. Liu Chen. The man who betrayed him. The man who stood by Lin Mei's side as she left him to die.

Rage boiled within Zhou Kai, his vision tinged red. He wanted to charge at him, to rip him apart, but he forced himself to stay calm. This wasn't the time. Not yet...

Liu Chen hadn't noticed him. He was busy flirting with Lin Mei, who laughed sweetly, her arm wrapped around his. Zhou Kai's chest tightened, the memory of her betrayal stabbing him like a knife.

> "Chen-ge, you're so strong! I feel so safe with you," Lin Mei's voice was honeyed, her smile radiant.

> "Of course, Mei. I'll always protect you," Liu Chen responded, his chest puffed with pride.

Zhou Kai's nails dug into his palms. The lies... All the times she said the same words to him. How foolish I was... How blind.

But not this time. This time, he saw them for what they truly were—snakes hiding behind smiles. His time for revenge would come, but not today. Today, he needed to survive.

> [Ding! New Quest: Confront the Betrayers]

[Objective: Defeat Liu Chen and Lin Mei]

[Reward: ???]

[Failure Penalty: Death]

Zhou Kai's eyes darkened. I accept. But first, he needed to get stronger. Much stronger. He turned away, forcing himself to walk calmly as he finished his supply run.

> [Progress: 100%]

[Quest Complete!]

[Reward: 500 EXP, Inventory Expansion]

[Level Up!]

[Level: 4]

A warm surge of power rushed through him. His body felt lighter, his senses sharper. But the greatest reward was the Inventory Expansion. Now, he could store items without carrying them physically.

He opened his inventory, watching in awe as the supplies vanished from his cart, neatly organized in the system's storage. This is incredible... With this, I can carry anything without worry.

Satisfied, Zhou Kai left the supermarket, his heart pounding with anticipation. He was ready. Tomorrow, the apocalypse would begin. And he would face it head-on.

Lin Mei, Liu Chen... Enjoy your last day of peace. Tomorrow, everything changes.

---

End of Chapter 3