"This is the medicine store. Next…"
What am I doing? Isn't it obvious? Just like any protagonist, I am noting down the important places for the apocalypse.
"Sigh! If I had some kind of convenient power, I wouldn't be wandering around like this."
In most apocalypse web novels, the protagonist has some sort of convenient power like storage, shelter, or at least they have money. Using that they hoard loads of supplies and survive. But me?
"Because I am in another world, I don't have money and I doubt the cards would work in this place."
I could have asked Saeko for it, but…
"A man has to keep his pride!"
Well, that is bullshit. I don't have that much of a pride to keep it intact. I just don't want to degrade the good impression I made on her. Money is important, but Saeko is more important. After all, money only works in the initial stages, which means just now.
After society collapses, the human assets – the one who can fight, the one who can cook, the one who has medical knowledge… The correct choice of people becomes a huge factor in survival.
And Saeko, her existence itself is lucky for me. Even the protagonist team was able to survive all because of her. I have no doubts that with just two of us together, I will be able to clear the quest.
"And above all, Saeko is my girl now!"
It took a lifetime of luck for me to meet her on the first day and also get her as my follower. How can I degrade my image in front of her just because of some money?
That's why I am noting down the important stores, all to loot the moment the apocalypse begins. Medicines, weapons, food rations… I wandered the Fujimi city all over again and remembered the outline of the city as well. Knowing the path of the city is bound to be helpful.
While all of this is all right, the thing that intrigued me the most was the invisible barrier that makes me incapable of getting out of the city. Unlike me, the player, NPCs – the ones who are living in this world can get through it.
It means it is a sort of restriction placed on players, making them unable to get out of this city. It makes the dungeon small and restricted, making the supplies numbered and resources scarce compared to the number of players but in return, it gives an important hint.
"It means that the mystery, the reason for the apocalypse is within this perimeter."
Now, that's an important info. This will be the key to solving the quest. Noting this info as the most important one, I started to wander more, sightseeing this fictional city that is too real to be fake.
"This tower and dungeons… They have really changed my life."
From a boring one to an adventurous one, and that too with anime waifus. What could be better than this? And considering the future floors to be a part of anime or manga, I have absolute confidence. The absolute confidence to be able to reign at the top and impress the girls along with it.
"Hmm… Being true to base desires is what defines me the most."
Aside from my lusty fantasies, I remembered another crux of change – Dungeons. It was a coincidence that I managed to defeat goblins from an abrupt gate in the classroom, but since then I have yet to encounter them.
"Dungeons…"
While the huge tower is the most eye-catching attraction; it is not as important as dungeons. Because while Tower allows gaining strength through climbing floors, dungeons are the players' archenemies.
The reason for climbing the tower is to gain strength, and where do we use it? All is to clear the dungeons. Most players wouldn't realize it, but me, the reincarnator with huge experience in such novels and manga, no the "Manhwas" can easily decipher it.
But here comes an important question. What is the benefit of clearing the dungeons?
At first, players may start to sweep around the dungeons in the name of being the savior, protecting humankind. But that won't last long. We are risking our lives just to help other people without any renomination? No one is that kind. Nor even me.
"If I am right, then dungeons are kind of treasure trove."
They are the monsters' zone, but inside it lies a lot of riches. Just by hunting three goblins, I got a lot of rewards. Goblin ears, rugged jewellery, and all sorts of waste that I don't need. But that is the case for goblins. Who knows what is for the high-ranked monsters?
And the important thing is not only to sweep dungeons but to get Achievements.
"Achievements."
I got the title of "The First Player", and got a unique skill as a reward. And after using it, I know that "Flow" is by no means a waste skill. Then the most important thing is to rack up achievements like crazy.
"When I clear this floor, I will visit a dungeon."
I don't know where it is, but I will find it. This is one of the pros of posting my name in the Hall of Fame. My identity will be known, bringing a lot of dangers but with it, I will be able to get a huge recognition.
"He is holding a sword…"
"Is he cosplaying?"
"Why is he carrying such a dangerous thing?"
'These people…'
I could hear the murmur of the people staring at me, mostly because of the real sword around my waist. What can I do? This damn tower didn't provide an inventory and I have to carry it around with me.
This sword of mine didn't do a thing and was only useful for attracting a crowd which I need the least! Remember, Apocalypse is going to happen, alright?
"But when is it going to happen?"
You know, I haven't used the advance ticket. It means I came along with the other players. I searched for them but distinguishing in the midst of all real can be tricky. And don't forget this bro has been sleeping with a girl, alright? I have been quite busy.
Remembering the precious moment again, I smiled with a smug on my face, somehow annoying the people for some reason. But what can I do? This is the happiness of having a girl.
But all of this came to an end as soon I heard a scream, and that too was near me. Something felt wrong. I turned around only to see a bloody human figure biting into an afraid, screaming adult, flailing his hands for help.
"That's…!"
And the rest of the people weren't blind. The panic started. The people started to run, pushing each other, all to save their lives. They didn't know what was happening but they did know that it was time for them to run. Because if they don't run, they will die.
That's right, folks. The apocalypse came without any warning, just like it should. Such a fair ruling by the tower. There shouldn't be any discrimination between the players and NPCs. I could feel the nasty intention of the tower.
All I could do was look at the tower interface, congratulating about the beginning of the quest.
[Apocalypse Begins! Good Luck, Players!]
"Such a jinx. I might have a crow's mouth."