Xiang Yue sat on the velvet chair in the grand lobby of Serenity Haven, her gaze fixed on the holographic screen floating before her. The instructions from the system were clear: expand the resort and secure more Energy Cores. But where would she even begin?
The screen blinked, showing her next objectives:
1. Attract survivors.
2. Eliminate nearby threats to increase safety radius.
3. Upgrade base facilities using Energy Points.
The idea of attracting survivors tugged at something deep inside her. Though the world was cruel and broken, she didn't want to face it alone. But what would happen when they saw her? A child, commanding such power? Would they trust her—or try to take what she'd built?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a distant sound—faint cries for help. She rose to her feet, her heart tightening. The map updated, showing two red dots (monsters) and one faint yellow dot (a human).
"A survivor," Xiang Yue murmured. Without hesitation, she stepped outside the safety of Serenity Haven's barrier.
The world beyond her resort was even bleaker than before. The sky seemed darker, and the air carried the stench of decay. Xiang Yue walked cautiously, her senses heightened. It didn't take long to find the source of the cries—a young man in his early twenties, cornered by two Rift Beasts.
The man was bleeding, a crude metal pipe in his hand as he swung desperately at the creatures. His movements were frantic, his strength clearly fading.
Xiang Yue raised her hand. Fire flickered at her fingertips before she unleashed a blast at the closest beast. The creature screeched, collapsing into a pile of ash.
The man froze, his wide eyes darting to Xiang Yue. "What—" he stammered, his voice hoarse. "Who are you?"
"Stay back," Xiang Yue said curtly, stepping between him and the remaining beast. This one was larger, its bony spikes glinting menacingly. It roared, lunging toward her.
This time, she summoned ice. A spear of frost formed in midair, shooting forward and impaling the creature before it could reach her. The beast crumbled, leaving behind two glowing Energy Cores. She absorbed them quickly, feeling the warmth spread through her.
The man stared at her in stunned silence. "Did… did you just kill those things?" he asked, his voice shaking.
"Yes," Xiang Yue said simply. She turned toward him, her expression calm but unreadable. "You're injured. Come with me."
The man hesitated, his gaze flickering between her and the spot where the monsters had been. "Why should I trust you?"
"Because I saved your life," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. "And because I have a safe place for you to stay. But if you'd rather stay here and wait for more of them, that's your choice."
He faltered, clutching his side where blood seeped through his shirt. "A… safe place? Where?"
Xiang Yue didn't answer. She turned and began walking back toward Serenity Haven. After a moment, she heard his footsteps following her.
The man's reaction when he saw the resort was almost comical. His jaw dropped as he took in the towering walls, the polished tiles, and the faint glow of the protective barrier.
"What… what is this place?" he asked, his voice filled with awe.
"Serenity Haven," Xiang Yue said. "It's a safe zone. No monsters can enter here."
He followed her inside, his eyes darting around at the luxurious surroundings. The warm light of the chandeliers, the soft music playing in the background, and the scent of fresh flowers—all of it seemed impossibly out of place in the apocalypse.
"Who… who are you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Xiang Yue turned to face him, her small frame contrasting sharply with the power she exuded. "My name is Xiang Yue. I'm the Administrator of this place. You can stay here, but there are rules."
"Rules?" He blinked, still trying to process everything.
"Yes. No violence. No stealing. And if you want to stay long-term, you'll have to contribute—either by fighting monsters or helping with maintenance." She gestured to the plush seating area. "But for now, rest. You're injured."
The man sank into a chair, still dazed. "I'm… Liu Yan," he said after a moment. "Thank you for saving me."
Xiang Yue nodded and turned her attention back to the holographic screen. A new notification had appeared:
"First guest registered. Reward: +5 Energy Points. Current total: 15."
She allowed herself a small smile. It wasn't much, but it was a start.
As Liu Yan rested, she began to strategize. The map showed more survivors scattered across the area, along with clusters of monsters. If she wanted to expand the resort and protect more people, she'd need to gather resources—and fast.