Lu Tian sits in the main hall of the Safe Shelter, staring at the floating holographic interface before him. The words "Shelter Upgrade System" glow with a faint blue light, and below it are multiple options.
> [Upgrade Options]
1. Basic Expansion – Increase shelter size and storage capacity. (100 Upgrade Points)
2. Automated Resource Collection – Drones will gather external resources. (200 Upgrade Points)
3. Defense Turrets – Deploy basic energy turrets for security. (300 Upgrade Points)
4. Shelter AI Enhancement – Improve system intelligence for better management. (500 Upgrade Points)
Lu Tian frowns. "Upgrade Points? Where do I even get those?"
As if responding to his thoughts, a new message appears.
> Upgrade Points are earned through shelter maintenance, external data collection, and unique events.
Lu Tian quickly checks his current balance.
> [Upgrade Points: 10]
"Ten points? That's nothing…" He exhales in frustration. "I need a way to earn more. Fast."
Just then, a notification blinks on the interface.
> New Shelter Task Available!
[Survival Observation: Scan the Outside World] (+50 Points)
[First Resource Extraction: Deploy a Drone] (+100 Points)
"Finally, something I can do." He selects the first task.
Immediately, the walls of the shelter change, becoming transparent, revealing the apocalyptic world outside. Lu Tian watches as mutated creatures roam the streets, twisted humanoid figures with glowing red eyes and grotesque features. The city is dead, and nature is reclaiming the ruins.
The Shelter's AI voice echoes:
> "Observation complete. Data uploaded. 50 Points awarded."
Lu Tian clenches his fists. "If this system can gather data… maybe I can find out what caused the apocalypse in the first place."
Without hesitation, he selects the second task—deploying a drone. A small, sleek mechanical orb detaches from the ceiling and phases through the barrier, scanning the nearby ruins.
A countdown timer appears.
> Resource Extraction in Progress… (ETA: 3 Hours)
For now, all he can do is wait.