Chapter 5: Unexpected Windfall

After the X-System's explanations, Wang Ji once again grasped its formidable power. In the midst of an apocalypse riddled with danger, he finally felt a measure of confidence. He redeemed another box of new chocolate beans, replenished his energy, and entered the system's virtual space with excitement.

"X-System, show me what I gained this time," he said.

"Received," came the reply.

"Host has killed one elite-level primary mutant, earning 20 energy points."

"Host has, for the first time, killed an elite-level primary mutant alone, earning 5 bonus energy points and unlocking the title 'Novice Butcher.'"

"'Novice Butcher' title: Increases the commander's intimidation against alien creatures. The intimidation level is low; specific effects require the host's own testing. Ineffective against advanced mutants. Equip?"

"Unlocks Lieutenant Commander permissions! Unlocks Tier 1 weapon production authority. Unlocks Level 1 research project authority."

"Unlocks basic infantry weapon production line: Manifestation requires 1000 energy points, and 8 cubic meters of real-world space. The production line comes with a solar power module. Raw materials include ore, steel, petroleum, etc. Evaluation: Industry is the foundation!"

"Unlocks basic AI application module research authority: Research requires 1000 energy points. Once researched, AI system applications are enabled for both military and civilian sectors. Evaluation: Human labor is limited."

Wang Ji saw both branches of the tech tree requiring 1000 energy points and could only close the page with a wry smile—he had only 38 points at the moment.

"X-System, display the Lieutenant permissions, weapons menu that can be manifested for less than 30 points."

With a chime, a new info screen popped up. Wang Ji tapped on the rifle listed first.

ANM-28 automatic rifle: Manifestation requires 25 energy points, takes five minutes. Uses 9mm standard ammunition, magazine holds 30 rounds, net weight 4.56kg, length 85cm, concave sight, can be fitted with a grenade launcher or physical sight. Effective range: 300 meters. Evaluation: Don't forget to bring a cleaning kit when you're going full auto!

MIA-41 automatic rifle: Manifestation requires 25 energy points, five minutes. Uses 9mm standard ammunition, magazine holds 31 rounds, net weight 4.17kg, V-type sight, can be fitted with a grenade launcher or laser sight. Effective range: 300 meters. Evaluation: None; only those who use it know!

After comparing, Wang Ji chose the MIA-41 automatic rifle and spent 3 energy points to manifest a spare magazine. Then, in the logistics system, he spent 1 energy point for a military backpack, leaving him with only 9 points.

He packed all the bottled water and scattered food from the office into the backpack, checked the wound on his right shoulder, and, fully armed, prepared to leave the bank.

Entering the bank's main hall, he found the surroundings quieter; the chaos seemed to have subsided by half. Wang Ji knew the initial panic was over. People were either hiding cautiously at home or had found government shelter, or perhaps they’d fallen victim in the area.

There was no sign of Yu Bo or the others. Remembering the key Yu Bo had given him, Wang Ji decided to check it out and soon found the entrance to the underground vault.

Passing through a steel door and a barred gate, Wang Ji entered the vault, where stacks of banknotes lay on the table and in cabinets. The wealth people had worked themselves to the bone for now lay worthless in this place. Wang Ji scoffed, tossing a wad of bills to the floor.

"Chime! Detected 3 absorbable energy points. Absorb?"

The X-System's cold voice echoed in the silent vault, making Wang Ji's hair stand on end.

"What the hell?!"

"Three meters ahead to the left, detected 3 absorbable energy points. Absorb?"

With the X-System's guidance, Wang Ji looked carefully and found a row of dozens of small cabinets to his left. He walked over.

"Chime! Detected absorbable energy... a total of 114 points. Absorb?"

Standing before the cabinets, Wang Ji's eyes shone. He knew he'd struck it rich, but needed to clarify which items the X-System could absorb.

Without hesitation, he drew his combat knife and began forcibly opening the cabinets.

Half an hour later, Wang Ji gazed at the pile of jewelry and diamonds as if admiring a beautiful woman. Through repeated screening, he discovered that only precious gems could be absorbed for energy.

"Alakazam, absorb!"

A bit childish, Wang Ji waved his hand before the pile. As he finished speaking, the jewelry and diamonds instantly lost their luster, turning into ordinary glass.

"Absorbed 114 energy points. Current total: 122."

Wang Ji laughed heartily, locked up the vault, checked his gear, and replenished with dozens of rounds and two high-explosive grenades, aiming straight for the town's jewelry store and supermarket.

The X-System's logistics could manifest supplies, but Wang Ji wanted to save energy points as much as possible, which were more precious than anything right now.

Two hours later, Wang Ji came out of the jewelry store in frustration. He'd used over a dozen rounds to avoid several waves of mutant beasts, only to find most of the shop's samples were fake, with genuine ones less than one-tenth. He gained only a handful of energy points.

He flicked away his cigarette and looked toward the supermarket, where two columns of black smoke rose into the sky.

At the same time, near the town's supermarket, low beastly roars echoed.

A mutated cat prowled the entrance, searching for food. Its two scarlet eyes showed it had lost all its former charm. Suddenly, sensing danger, its fur bristled, and as it tried to leave the steps, a black steel arrow whistled and pierced its neck. The force lifted the mutant cat and pinned it to the wall.

"Heh, Brother Li's got power! Tonight, we feast!"

A rat-faced, blond-haired man hurried out of the shrubbery, knife in hand, and finished off the struggling mutant cat.

Behind him came several burly men. The leader wore a pistol at his waist and carried a recurve bow, his expression grim. He glanced over and strode inside.

"Rat, clean up the blood! Hmph! Tonight I'll go to the primary school and kill Zhao Gang. Let's see who else in town dares oppose me!"

"Yes, Brother Li, don’t worry. I’ll be first to help you chop up that kid tonight."

"I don’t believe a word you say!"

The sleazy Rat quickly cleaned up the mutant cat's meat, then went inside, his eyes full of malice.

Brother Li noticed Rat's expression, sneered, and kept thrusting, ignoring the woman's cries before him.

After putting down the meat, Rat entered a large room, immediately grabbed by a big man.

"Rat! Bring my wife back!"

The man, a burly middle-aged fellow nearly two meters tall, glared with tearful, ferocious eyes as he roared at Rat.

Rat shoved him aside contemptuously. "Zhao Dahai, you dare complain to me? If you've got guts, go stand up to Brother Li!"

Zhao Dahai's momentum deflated. After a moment, he slapped himself hard and slumped in a corner.

The room held a dozen men, all listless. Nearby, locked away, a group of disheveled women huddled in terror, weeping.

Flush with energy after looting the jewelry store, Wang Ji immediately redeemed a basic capsule to enhance his physical attributes. He even bought a basic stamina capsule, but due to tolerance, his strength increased only slightly. He had to abandon hopes of boosting his mental and agility stats for now.

Host: Wang Ji
Strength: 12
Mental: 15
Agility: 10
Stamina: 78/100
Status: Good, mild injury to right shoulder, estimated recovery time: 1 hour.
Energy points: 87

Satisfied with his improved stats, Wang Ji left the jewelry store quickly, aiming to gather supplies before nightfall.

Enhanced agility and mental acuity made him more sensitive to every change around him. After half an hour, he reached the front entrance of the supermarket.

Crouching behind an abandoned car, Wang Ji observed figures in the supermarket window and frowned slightly.

He hadn’t expected anyone inside, and the gatekeeper looked formidable.

Wang Ji thought to himself, but, confident in his abilities, stepped out from behind the car.

"Stop! What are you doing?"

A man in the window revealed half his body, one hand behind his back, eyeing Wang Ji’s gear with wariness and greed.

"I’m here for supplies," Wang Ji answered.

"Hmph! Didn’t you know this place is occupied by Brother Li? We’re not the government. If you want help, go to the town’s primary school!"

Wang Ji’s eyes narrowed, raising his rifle slightly.

"You’re telling me this place is occupied by Brother Li? I can’t take anything?"

The man saw Wang Ji’s decisiveness and immediately raised his hands, retreating two steps.

"Looks like you’re one of us. Since we’re all guests, come inside and meet Brother Li."

Wang Ji walked in calmly. He had already scanned the group with his goggles—no strong firepower detected, just a few knives. He wasn’t worried.

"Brother Li, this guy wants to take supplies from the supermarket. What do you say?"

The man led Wang Ji to the second-floor hall where Brother Li and his gang lounged, guarding the entrance with bloodthirsty expressions.

Brother Li sprawled on the sofa. Seeing Wang Ji’s gear and youthful face, he signaled his men and stood up laughing.

"Come, come, young man, you’re no ordinary guest. Since you’re here, you’re welcome. Have something to eat!" Brother Li invited Wang Ji to sit, then shouted for Rat in the back room.

"Yes, Brother Li, you called?"

Rat jogged into the hall, surprised to see Wang Ji, then lowered his head.

"Hurry up and serve the cat meat. I’ll have a drink with this young man."

Wang Ji stood up to stop Rat. "No, I don’t need a meal. Just some water and food will do."

Brother Li’s face changed. He stepped forward and slung an arm around Wang Ji’s shoulder.

Wang Ji’s expression grew serious, his hand resting lightly on his pistol.