Chapter 4: Preparing for the Apocalypse
The moment my father, stepmother, and stepbrother left, I felt an overwhelming sense of relief. Finally, the company was out of my hands, and I had secured a future they couldn't touch. Without wasting another second, I went back to my room, my body exhausted from the mental and emotional drain of the day.
I lay down on my bed, and for the first time in a long while, I slept deeply—without dreams, without worry. It wasn't until the evening of the next day that I finally woke up, my body completely refreshed.
The first thing I did was pack.
I had no intention of staying here any longer. My priority now was survival. The apocalypse was coming, and I had to prepare myself for the harsh reality ahead.
I took out a set of large, heavy-duty duffel bags and filled them with essentials:
Clothing: Durable, weather-resistant outfits, thick coats, gloves, waterproof boots, and even thermal underwear for the harsh conditions that awaited.
Weapons: Knives, machetes, a crossbow, and a handgun with enough ammunition to last me through the initial chaos. Guns would be harder to come by once the world collapsed.
Medical supplies: Bandages, antiseptics, antibiotics, painkillers, and emergency survival kits.
Food & Water: Canned goods, protein bars, dried meat, instant noodles, rice, beans, and several large water containers.
Miscellaneous Survival Gear: A high-powered flashlight, matches, a portable stove, sleeping bags, tents, ropes, maps, and a compass.
Once I was satisfied with my packing, I called for a taxi and headed to the nearest car dealership.
Shopping for Survival
I walked into the dealership, scanning the rows of vehicles available. A salesman approached me with a bright smile.
"Sir, how can I assist you today?"
"I want a truck," I said bluntly. "Something durable, with good fuel efficiency and a large storage space."
The salesman's eyes lit up—he probably thought I was just another rich kid looking for a fancy ride. Little did he know that I was preparing for something far bigger.
He led me to a customized Ford F-150 Raptor, a vehicle built for both comfort and extreme conditions. It had reinforced tires, strong suspension, and enough horsepower to handle rough terrain.
"This is one of our best models," the salesman said proudly.
I didn't hesitate. "I'll take it."
His smile faltered for a moment, probably surprised by my quick decision, but he recovered fast. "Would you like to check out some luxury features?"
"No need," I cut him off. "Just process the payment."
Minutes later, the truck was officially mine.
But I wasn't done shopping.
I drove to a high-end department store and started grabbing everything I could.
Clothes: Multiple sets of jeans, hoodies, tactical vests, combat boots, and winter gear.
Shoes: Waterproof hiking boots, sneakers, and extra socks.
Technology: Solar chargers, extra power banks, shortwave radios, and noise-canceling headphones.
Camping Equipment: A heavy-duty tent, sleeping bags, an outdoor stove, and water purifiers.
I cleared out the entire outdoor survival section, filling up my truck until it was packed to the brim.
Stocking Up on Food and Livestock
Next, I went to a wholesale supermarket and loaded up on long-lasting food supplies:
Grains: Rice, pasta, oats, and flour.
Canned Goods: Tuna, chicken, beans, and vegetables.
Dairy & Eggs: Powdered milk, cheese, and cartons of eggs.
Sweets & Snacks: Chocolates, biscuits, and energy bars.
Cooking Supplies: Salt, sugar, oil, and spices.
I even bought several hundred liters of bottled water, stacking them in the truck.
But the most important part of my shopping came next—I needed livestock.
I drove to a livestock auction house, where I purchased a variety of animals:
Cows for milk and meat
Goats for milk and cheese
Sheep for wool and meat
Chickens for eggs
Peasants for game meat
Rabbits for quick breeding and food
Each purchase was expensive, but I didn't care. I had the money, and soon, money would become meaningless.
As I made my purchases, I suddenly heard the system's voice in my head.
[Host, I will transport the livestock directly to the base.]
The moment it spoke, the animals vanished one by one, disappearing into thin air. No one around me noticed, and I sighed in relief.
Thinking About the Future
As I was driving to my next location, I passed by a toy store and suddenly hit the brakes.
Children.
In the apocalypse, the strong could fight and adapt, but children… they were the future. If humanity had any hope of surviving long-term, children would need to be protected.
Without a second thought, I entered the store and began grabbing everything a child might need.
Toys: Stuffed animals, dolls, action figures, puzzles, and building blocks.
Books: Picture books, fairy tales, educational books, and survival guides for young readers.
School Supplies: Notebooks, pencils, crayons, and small whiteboards.
Clothing: Warm jackets, shoes, gloves, and hats in different sizes.
Baby Essentials: Diapers, baby formula, feeding bottles, and soft blankets.
The store clerks gave me strange looks, but I ignored them.
Once the apocalypse began, things like this would become rarer than gold.
With the truck even more loaded, I left the city behind.
Setting Up Camp
The sky had darkened by the time I found a suitable place to rest. I parked my truck below a cliffside, where the land was flat, and set up a quick camp.
As I finished setting up my tent, I called out, "System?"
[Host, you do not need to call out loud. You can just think it in your mind.]
I blinked. "Okay, got it."
I hesitated before asking, "Do I have a system menu? Like the ones in video games?"
[Yes, Host. You do.]
"Then why didn't you teleport me directly to the base like you did with the livestock?" I asked.
[It was an instruction from Headquarters. There is something waiting for you along the way.]
I frowned. "Something waiting for me?"
[Yes. You will encounter it soon.]
I sighed. "Fine. But show me the system menu."
[Host, all you have to do is ask.]
I closed my eyes and said in my mind: System Menu.
A glowing blue screen materialized before me, its text sharp and clear.
---
System Menu
[Name:] Li Wei
[Level:] 1
[Abilities:]
Enhanced Strength (Locked)
Night Vision (Locked)
Healing Factor (Locked)
Survival Instincts (Locked)
[Inventory:]
Food Supplies: 5 Tons
Water Storage: 1,000 Liters
Weapons: Basic Firearms & Blades
Livestock: Cows (10), Goats (15), Sheep (20), Chickens (50), Peasants (20), Rabbits (30)
Children's Supplies: Toys, Books, Clothing, Baby Essentials
Shelter: Underground Base (Level 1)
[Missions:]
Survive for 30 Days in the Apocalypse (0/30)
Upgrade Base to Level 2
Find the Mysterious Encounter (Pending)
---
I scanned the menu carefully. Most of my abilities were locked, but my inventory was already stocked.
And then there was that mission—Find the Mysterious Encounter.
I frowned. What exactly was waiting for me out here?
Whatever it was, I would find out soon enough.