Chapter 19: The First Supply Run
[Countdown Timer: 349 days, 14 hours, 47 minutes]
Morning light barely filtered through the city skyline, but the theatre room's flat-screen glowed with vibrant energy as the team gathered around it. The streams of harvested products from the QQ Farm simulation filled the interface, but Ava knew their next step would take them out into the real world. The first real supply run awaited.
"Alright," Ava began, gathering everyone's attention. "The system handled the harvest flawlessly. Warehouse's full, automatic collection running smoothly, and Energy points have updated. Now it's time to test ourselves in reality—supply runs, warehouses, and moving resources without leaving any trace."
Zephyr bounced in place. "Finally! The exciting part! The thrill of sneaking around and grabbing stuff. And maybe I can finally see if my reflexes are as fast as the system says."
Lyra nudged him. "Focus, Zephyr. No heroics. Efficiency and stealth first. Fun second."
Alyssa tapped the screen, pulling up mapped warehouse locations and predicted resource totals. "The system's picked the safest routes. Each of us has assigned sectors. If we follow the timing, we maximize resource collection and minimize exposure."
Brian checked the packs with careful precision. "Tools ready. Gloves, scanners, and concealment devices synced with the warehouse network. Any anomalies flagged by the system, we pull back. No risks."
Kael, calm and stoic as ever, surveyed the map overlays. "We split into pairs. Each team hits their designated warehouses, collects supplies, and lets the system handle trace erasure. Timing is everything—five-minute stagger between departures."
Ava nodded. "Northern warehouses, Zephyr and I. South, Kael and Brian. Central, Lyra and Alyssa. System will guide retrieval, update inventories, and wipe traces automatically. Our job is execution."
Dinner had been quick and quiet. Everyone ate just enough to stay alert, knowing the night would demand focus. Mentally and physically, they were ready. Sleep had been brief but restorative.
By 5 a.m., they assembled in the theatre room. The wide flat-screen illuminated the room with holographic overlays of warehouses, streets, and optimized movement paths.
"Remember," Ava reminded them, "stick to the plan. No improvisation unless absolutely necessary. The system will alert us to any anomalies. Trust the automation, but watch for anything unusual."
Zephyr smirked. "Got it. Totally under control. Chaos-free."
Lyra rolled her eyes, whispering, "You said that last time…"
Kael gave a faint smile. "Folded-space logistics covers most operations, but real-world oversight is critical. Move carefully."
The countdown ticked softly as Ava initiated the supply run.
[System Log: Supply Run Phase 1 Initiated]
[Energy Points Pending: Based on collection efficiency and trace removal]
[Warehouse Inventory Syncing: Active]
Teams moved swiftly, splitting across the city. Zephyr and Ava navigated the northern districts, their steps silent as shadows. Lyra and Alyssa moved through central warehouses, checking automated guides on their interfaces. Kael and Brian handled southern sectors, avoiding cameras and foot traffic.
Every crate of wheat, milk, honey, and vegetables was collected with precision. Once retrieved, the system folded them into the warehouse inventory, erasing any trace of their real-world extraction. The experience was surreal—like seeing the system operate in reality.
By dawn, all teams returned to the theatre room. The flat-screen updated:
[Supply Run Phase 1 Complete]
[Warehouse Inventory: +120% of projected resources]
[Energy Points Awarded: 60]
[Trace Clearance: 100%]
Soft cheers and laughter filled the room. Zephyr grinned, bouncing in place. "Did I mention how much I love the system?"
Lyra chuckled, shaking her head. "Seventeen times at least."
Alyssa's expression was proud. "Efficiency perfect. No traces. Supplies secure. Our first real-world run is a total success."
Kael nodded calmly. "Well executed. Automation works, but we did our part. That's teamwork."
Brian leaned back, satisfied. "Feels good. Real-world supplies, real progress, and no mistakes. Strategy works."
Ava's eyes softened as she looked at her friends. "Every supply run increases our Energy points. That means new buildings, factories, and opportunities. Step by step, invisible yet unstoppable, we're laying the foundation for Hope's Refuge."
The system hummed quietly, and the countdown continued:
[Countdown Timer: 348 days, 20 hours, 42 minutes]
Ava exhaled, feeling a tangible sense of control. The apocalypse still loomed on the horizon, but with her team, her system, and their ingenuity, she finally glimpsed a future they could build, manage, and thrive in.