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The midday sun beat down on the arid landscape, raising the temperature to around 100 degrees Fahrenheit, a heat that rippled through the air, distorting distant shapes. Inside the bus, however, Jhon's improved ventilation system kept the atmosphere at a pleasant 72 degrees Fahrenheit, an oasis of comfort amidst the hell outside. The smell of dust and hot earth barely penetrated the armor, replaced by the subtle aroma of a warm stew Jhon was preparing in the kitchen. He had thawed some of the recently acquired medium-sized creature meat, mixing it with some canned vegetables and spices that, miraculously, were still in his inventory. The gentle bubbling of the stew and the occasional clink of his cutlery were the only sounds, breaking the silence that had settled after the frantic updating of the bus and himself.

Loli, a thoughtful glint in her holographic eyes, floated beside him, watching him cut the meat into perfect cubes. "John, about the materials search. The system is finishing the primary scan. The energy signatures for rare metals are sparse, as expected. Typically, these deposits are in areas of intense seismic activity or in places that have undergone extreme geological deformation. Think deep canyons, mountains that have been ripped from the ground, or the scars left by ancient, crumbling power structures. They are rich in residual energy."

Jhon stirred the stew with a metal ladle, hot steam rising and slightly fogging the lens of his HUD. "What about animal skins? Where can we find the best ones?"

"Ah, the pelts! The best ones come from creatures of Rank C or higher. They usually inhabit more complex and dangerous ecosystems. Swampy areas, deep cave formations, or even the few pockets of dense forest that still remain in this world. They are more resilient, with special properties, sometimes even elemental. It is in these areas that the strongest creatures leave their valuable spoils. But the danger is proportional to the reward, Jhon. These are zones where danger is constant, and you will encounter opponents that will make last night's horde look like a picnic. And there are other survivors vying for these resources." Loli's voice was cautious, a subtle warning.

Jhon nodded, the smell of stew filling the cabin. "I see. The harsher the environment, the more valuable the reward. What's the radar showing that's most promising right now? Where's the highest concentration of high-value resources you can identify?"

Loli pointed to a section of the dashboard's touchscreen map, an area that was now more detailed. Small, colorful icons flashed. "For rare metal, there's a significant concentration to the east, near a set of jagged rock formations that rise like broken teeth from the ground. It appears to be an ancient impact site, rich in minerals. And for fur, there's evidence of an arid swamp area to the southwest, with a high concentration of Rank C and D biological signatures. Both locations are within a few hours' drive."

Jhon helped himself to a steaming bowl of stew, the warmth of the food a balm to his exhausted body. The taste was simple but comforting, a reminder of a life he could barely remember. He would need all the energy he could get for what lay ahead. He could feel his muscles adapting, his new abilities integrating. It was a strange, almost supernatural sensation, to be so strong.

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As Jhon finished lunch, an urgent call for help appeared in the local chat, its red hue making it stand out from the others.

[USER: DESPERATE_VOICE]: "Help! We're trapped! Near the old fallen communications tower to the west! A Giant Beast (Rank B)! We're losing ground! Three casualties already! Please! Anyone! The smaller beasts are flanking us!"

Jhon frowned. A Giant Beast (Rank B) was a formidable opponent, and three casualties meant the situation was critical. He glanced at the tactical map. The fallen communications tower wasn't far away, perhaps an hour's drive in the upgraded bus.

"Loli, what do you think? Is this a trap?" Jhon asked, the hot stew in his stomach now feeling like a weight, the comfort fading in the face of urgency.

Loli analyzed the data. "It doesn't look like a classic trap. The Giant Beast's energy signature (Rank B) is genuine, and the smaller signatures around it indicate a smaller horde of Lurkers (Rank G). The energy I'm getting from the Desperate Voice is real panic, not an imposter. It's a legitimate distress call, John. Those people are really in trouble."

Jhon weighed his options. He could head to the rare resource areas and continue his own improvement, or he could intervene. The memory of the monsters tearing apart other survivors the night before, the feeling of helplessness before he had his bus and its abilities—it all drove him. He was stronger now. The bus was a war machine. He could help.

"Okay, Loli. Describe the Giant Beast (Rank B) in detail. And the other creatures," Jhon decided.

"The Giant Beast (Rank B) is a colossal creature, resembling a gorilla, but with rocky skin and protruding bone spurs. Its arms are disproportionately long and powerful, capable of crushing most defenses. Its attacks rely on brute force, and it can hurl debris. Its weaknesses are the exposed joints when it moves and, most notably, its eyes, which glow with a faint light. The smaller beasts, the Lurkers (Rank G), are the same as last night, fast and in packs, but less dangerous individually. From what the radar picks up, the Giant Beast is focusing its attacks on a collapsed structure, while the Lurkers are flanking it. There are about five survivors remaining, and one of them is showing signs of weakness," Loli detailed, her voice serious.

"They need help," Jhon thought aloud, the stew now cold in his bowl. He stood, resolve hardening his features. "Loli, prepare the bus. Head for the old fallen communications tower. Full speed ahead. I'm going to help these survivors."