Zhou Kai's heart raced as he stared at his reflection. His face was pale, eyes wide with disbelief. He touched his cheek, feeling the warmth of life. There was no pain, no blood, no undead tearing at his flesh. Only the familiar chill of his small apartment.
I'm... alive? Was it just a nightmare? No... It was too real... Too vivid.
His eyes drifted to the calendar. December 1st. The date sent chills down his spine. Tomorrow, the world would end. The zombie outbreak would begin, plunging humanity into chaos.
His hands shook as memories flooded his mind—the screams, the blood, the monsters. And then... Lin Mei's betrayal. His heart twisted painfully, the memory of her cold smile and Liu Chen's mocking gaze searing his soul.
I trusted them. I protected her... And she left me to die.
> [Ding! Super Cheat Apocalypse System Activated.]
[Welcome, Host. Due to your untimely death, Time Reversal Protocol has been initiated. You have been granted a second chance. All memories retained.]
The mechanical voice echoed in his mind, breaking his thoughts. Zhou Kai's eyes widened. "Who... Who are you?"
> [I am the Super Cheat Apocalypse System. My purpose is to aid you in surviving the apocalypse. Do you wish to view the beginner's guide?]
A system... Just like in those fantasy novels. Zhou Kai's shock gave way to realization. "So... I really did die. And now I've been reborn... with a cheat system?"
> [Correct. As compensation for your tragic demise, you have been given access to the system. Would you like to view your status?]
His chest tightened, a burning determination rising within him. This is my chance... My second chance. This time, I won't be weak. I won't be betrayed.
He gritted his teeth. "Show me my status."
A translucent screen appeared before his eyes, displaying his stats:
---
[Status Screen]
Name: Zhou Kai
Level: 1
Health: 100
Strength: 5
Agility: 4
Intelligence: 6
Endurance: 5
Skills: None
Points Available: 0
---
Zhou Kai's face darkened. I'm... so weak. No wonder they betrayed me...
> [Ding! As a first-time user, you receive a Beginner's Pack. Would you like to open it?]
Without hesitation, Zhou Kai shouted, "Open!"
A golden light flashed, and several items appeared on the screen:
---
[Beginner's Pack Contents]
Survival Knife (Low Grade Weapon)
Basic Combat Manual
Level-Up Card x1
Skill: Danger Sense (Passive) – Detects nearby threats.
---
Zhou Kai's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Equip the Survival Knife and activate the Level-Up Card!"
The knife materialized in his hand, its blade gleaming with a sharpness that made his heart race. A warm energy surged through his body as the Level-Up Card activated.
> [Ding! Level Up!]
[Level: 2]
[Points Available: 5]
His stats increased, his body feeling stronger, more agile. It was intoxicating—this feeling of growth and power.
With this... I can fight. I can survive. I can... take revenge.
His eyes burned with a fierce determination. This time, he wouldn't trust blindly. This time, he wouldn't be weak.
His fists clenched as he whispered, "Lin Mei... Liu Chen... Just wait. I'm coming for you."
His vision sharpened, his mind clear. There was no room for hesitation. If he wanted to survive the apocalypse, if he wanted revenge, he had to prepare. He had one day before the world fell apart. One day to gather supplies, learn skills, and get stronger.
He turned to his window, the city bustling with life, oblivious to the doom that awaited. Enjoy your peace while you can. Tomorrow... everything changes.
> [New Quest: Prepare for the Apocalypse]
[Objective: Gather Supplies and Weapons]
[Reward: 500 EXP, Inventory Expansion]
[Failure Penalty: Death]
Zhou Kai's lips curled into a cold smile. "I won't fail. Not this time."
He strapped the knife to his belt, his eyes gleaming with resolve. The countdown to the end had begun. And this time, he would be ready.
---
End of Chapter 1