Next Day.
When Lee Han woke up, he found the room still dark. He forced himself out of bed and opened the curtains—a sudden burst of light blinded his eyes.
Once his eyes adjusted to the light, he surveyed the scene before him—it remained unchanged. Buildings stood in ruins, with debris scattered across the streets. In the distance, he could see a dense forest.
Not wanting to waste any time, Lee Han swiftly prepared himself. He changed his clothes, put on his boots, and left the apartment.
But just a few steps away, Lee Han heard a growling sound from his stomach. He could only smirk, remembering he had not yet eaten anything since forever.
Lee Han stopped right before the elevator and pressed the button. While waiting for the elevator, he immediately called the system. An instant, an inventory that looked like a supermarket appeared before his eyes.
He didn't waste time but looked at the food and drink section. He found so many ready-to-eat foods there.
It amazed him because all the food and drink looked so fresh, like what he usually sees in a supermarket near his house.
After grabbing a sandwich and coffee, the food appears in his hand. He eats in a hurry while looking at the elevator.
Lee Han felt strange because he had waited several minutes, but the number had not changed. It still shows number one.
"Damn, this elevator can't be used either?" He muttered and walked towards the emergency exit — the only way to get down to the ground floor.
He didn't rush to go out. When he arrived at the ground floor, he called his inventory; he bought a cheap Glock handgun, a sharp dagger, and a tactical vest to hold several tools he had bought.
After he was ready, he started to walk outside. He saw an empty street as far as his eyes could see. No human, undead, or monster he could spot.
The wind from the forest relaxed the surrounding temperature even though the orange sun shone brightly.
Lee Han walked toward the place where he appeared yesterday. He passed a few ruined buildings but didn't stop there. He wanted to verify the location where he appeared — Is there a portal that can take him back to his house?
After a few minutes walk, he finally arrived. He surveyed his surroundings but didn't find anything suspicious in that area.
"Looks like I'm trapped in this place." Lee Han's shoulders slumped knowing this. Now, he has no choice but to find a way to return to his city.
He started looking for a car he could use. However, none of the vehicles nearby could be used. He found that the car tires were no longer there, the engine was damaged, and even the fuel tube was leaking.
Lee Han continued to walk towards the road outside the city in silence. But later, he remembered a cute voice in his mind.
Why hasn't she said anything since earlier? Is she still there, or has she disappeared from my mind?
"Lara!?" He whispers.
'Yes, Adventurer Lee Han...' Lara's cheerful voice rang in his mind. He feels relieved.
"Can you find a car we could use?" He finally asked after looking around and found nothing.
"There are several cars in the building where you are staying, in the underground parking..."
Lara's answer brought a broad smile to Lee Han's face. He hurriedly made his way back to the building.
He was surprised to find the underground parking lot still intact and in good condition, although covered in a thick layer of dust. Miraculously, all the cars stored there were undamaged and operable.
He chose a black SUV, the best option to navigate this ruined place.
...
Not long after, a black SUV car pulled out of the underground parking lot.
Lee Han drove the vehicle at an average speed. He didn't need to rush to go out of the city. Instead, he took the opportunity to observe his surroundings as he traveled.
He returned along the main road and passed several buildings still standing without much damage: a bank, a cafe, and several shops.
"Lara, can you feel if humans or undead are around us?"
'Of course, I can. As long as the radius is within my reach.'
"Can you spot anything near here?" Lee Han asked. He couldn't spot anything, and now, he really wanted to farm coin; he needed money to buy a riffle and other advanced firearms.
"There are no humans in this area. However, there are some undead in a few buildings ahead—"
Lee Han feels thrilled to hear that. Before he could say anything, an orange letter suddenly appeared before his eyes.
[Today's Mission.]
[Clear the Old Church from Undead invasion.]
[Reward: Unknown items.]
[Yes / No.]
Lee Han was happy to find out he finally got his first mission.
He immediately chose [Yes]
After the system disappeared from his sight, a bright red line appeared on the road ahead. The light seemed to lead him to his destination, the old church.
Lee Han hit the gas. Before long, an old building that still stood majestically appeared in the distance. He stopped the car right in front of the church.
He didn't rush to step out; he took his handgun and checked the magazine; he only had fifteen. He hopes that his target will not outnumber his bullets.
Lee Han knew the weakness of the undead; they were afraid of bright light. No one would attack him in this open space.
"Lara, give me the status for this church?" Lee Han instructed.
A long silence hung in the air as if Lara was carrying out her task of checking the old church.
'There are ten undead inside the building. I can't tell you their exact location until we are inside...' Lara's voice rang in his mind.
Lee Han nodded. He stepped out of the car. And walk to the main entrance. Standing in front of the large door, his hand slowly pushed the door open, and surprisingly, the door opened easily as if it had already opened before.
Walking into the empty-looking church carefully, his hand tightly gripped the gun while pointing forward.
He tried to hear a sound, but the place was too quiet except for his breathing. He couldn't even hear the sound of the wind blowing.
The room looked dim; there were no lights, only light from the above window.
He reached the altar at the front, and soon, his eyes caught sight of the wooden dark-brown door at the corner. Just looking at the door, he felt his heart beating loudly. But he forced himself to walk toward the door.