That night, as Jiang Yuan was boarding up his windows with planks of wood he'd pried from a nearby construction site, his phone suddenly blared to life. It wasn't the familiar Danger Prediction alert. It was a voice.
A crackling, static-filled voice came through the speaker:
"This is a broadcast from the New World Order. To all survivors: a safe zone has been established at the city center. Supplies, medical aid, and protection are available. Follow the emergency beacons. Repeat…"
The message repeated, cutting in and out of static. Jiang源 froze. A safe zone? It sounded like a lifeline. But it could also be a trap.
He checked his phone. A new map had appeared, marking a beacon in the heart of the city, 5 kilometers away.
[Decision required: Investigate the safe zone, or continue fortifying the apartment.]
Jiang Yuan looked at the boarded-up windows, the pile of supplies, and the crowbar at his side. The safe zone promised safety, but the journey would be deadly. His apartment was a fortress, but it was a prison.
He thought of the Corrupted Stalker, the Pyro Wraith, the Abomination. He thought of the evolution points, the level up, the growing power in his hands.
He made his choice.
He would go to the safe zone. But first, he would make sure his fortress was ready for his return.
The apocalypse was full of choices. And every choice could be his last.