Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot Chapter 1 - 1 1 The Apocalypse Descends_1
1 Chapter 1 The Apocalypse Descends_1 Translator: 549690339 Cleared!
As his game avatar smashed the last boss into oblivion, a wave of triumph washed over Wang Tao.
Gaming wasn't a massive habit for him, given his packed work schedule. Yet, when he dove in, perfection was key—no damage taken, every achievement claimed.
This obsession stuck to solo titles only; his family's tight budget kept him away from gacha-fueled multiplayer cash grabs.
The title on his screen this round was Apocalypse Kill Kill Kill, a simple side-scroller brawler light on depth but perfect for passing hours. He had no clue when he'd grabbed it, but after a full day's grind, all trophies were his.
Treat myself to a feast out there, earn this grind! But eyeing the relentless downpour beyond the window, Wang Tao's brow creased. Why won't this rain quit?
He pulled shifts as a martial arts stunt double, and today's game session at home stemmed from the storm halting all film shoots.
Exhausted from hours of play, no energy for home cooking. That little spot downstairs isn't a hike away.
Ultimately, Wang Tao chose to head out for food.
The instant he swung his door wide, his neighbor's across the hall creaked open too.
Out stepped a woman in her twenties clad in a sleek black dress, phone clutched in her left hand, bag balanced on her elbow, and heels dangling from her right. Wang Tao couldn't resist a quick peek at those long, shapely legs sheathed in sheer black stockings.
Sister-in-law, evening!
Spotting her caught him off guard, yet he offered a courteous nod and hello.
Ding Yuqin was her name, wed to up-and-coming director Zhao Yuan. Their union was fresh, brimming with warmth. Wang Tao shared roots with Director Zhao, both in the flick biz but rarely overlapping, still, he'd call him Brother Zhao in passing.
Wang Tao recalled the pair heading back to their village last month; no idea they'd slipped in so soon.
Ding Yuqin's head lifted at his voice, showcasing a refined face touched by subtle cosmetics.
Ah, Xiao Wang, evening to you too!
She brushed a strand of hair aside and curved her lips in a gentle smile.
Wang Tao kept the elevator door ajar for her, but Ding Yuqin hung back, blurting out,
Hold on, something slipped my mind—I need to grab it. Head down without me.
A flicker of awkwardness crossed Wang Tao's features, though he replied smoothly,
Sure thing, see you around.
Another brush-off, but he'd come to expect it.
Ding!
Stepping into the lift, he caught his mirrored image: a towering, rugged figure at 1.83 meters, face marred by a savage scar. Wang Tao let out a resigned sigh.
The mark came from a set mishap, paired with a build that matched any gym pro's—enough to spook folks left and right.
Once, he'd sported a boyish charm ripe for starring roles. These days, he doubled as the bad guys in action sequences.
A wry grin tugged at his lips as Wang Tao exited the elevator, pushed through the building's entrance, and dashed into Big Mouth Meat Eater, the cozy eatery nearby.
Inside, the place sat deserted; an aging television droned on with the weather update, the anchor assuring that the fierce rains would ease by morning and urging calm.
Boss Li, you around?
Wang Tao shouted.
On my way!
The reply echoed from the back entrance.
Seconds later, the proprietor shuffled in, raincoat dripping, hauling a army-green fuel canister.
Just topped off the ride. What's your pick, Xiao Wang?
Hit me with a big plate of stir-fried rice noodles!
Right away!
Boss Li soon slid a hefty serving across the counter, venting,
Man, this cursed storm—yourself included, Xiao Wang, we've barely seen twenty souls all day. Rent's gonna bury me.
Wang Tao chuckled and shook his head, then probed with interest,
Sister Liu missing today?
The duo handled the joint as partners; Sister Liu being Boss Li's spouse.
She's down with a bug, resting in the back. Business this slow, I got it solo.
Boss Li gave a casual shrug.
Wang Tao held his tongue after that; the torrent had thrown everyone's routines into chaos today.
Heading out, Boss Li—payment's wired, give it a look!
Safe travels!
Wang Tao's pad was in Happy Community, a weathered complex with one shared yard and four blocks of six floors each. Folks were sparse, and the lifts added on after the build. He crashed in unit 501, block 4.
Unlike neighbor Director Zhao's bought place, Wang Tao's was a lease.
A pair of bedrooms went for three grand monthly. Not smack in Huangfeng City's heart, but hugging Huangfeng Film City kept the price steep.
He'd split costs with a flatmate once, chasing silver screen dreams, but the guy bailed for village wedded bliss. Lately, Wang Tao mulled relocating—the solo rent was pinching hard.
The lounge held some weights and a heavy bag. Wang Tao hit workouts daily; staying ripped demanded consistency.
Except tonight—he'd earned a true break, so full unwind it was.
More gaming till midnight, then early lights out, he mused.
No sooner had he settled in than a sharp agony erupted across his frame.
Sizzle
Staring at the crackling cables by his feet, Wang Tao's eyes bulged, then blackness claimed him as he blacked out.
Starving!
Groggy pangs of hunger roused Wang Tao; he lay sprawled on the ground.
Springing up, he gaped at the fried wiring and rig, mind reeling in confusion.
Shocked? Not some nightmare? Still kicking?
Table snacks abounded. Overwhelmed by ravenous need, Wang Tao snatched handfuls and devoured them.
Ahh!
A shrill cry pierced from beyond the walls.
On reflex, he bolted to the pane and peered out, pupils contracting in shock.
What in the world!
Down in the yard, a gore-smeared figure wrestled a middle-aged guy to the dirt, tearing into his body with savage bites!
The victim's stare hung empty; salvation was off the table.
The attacker lifted its maw, baring a grotesque, nightmarish visage.
Z-zombies?!
Wang Tao's gaze stretched wide in utter shock.
On set? No way! He knew productions inside out—this reeked of authenticity, sans any gear or staff. Just as he clocked the isolation, more undead shambled from shadows to pile onto the macabre meal.
Wang Tao froze just briefly, and the fellow below lay nearly torn apart.
Ugh~
Nausea surged; Wang Tao hurled up his recent chow.
Steady now! Dial the cops!
Regaining poise, Wang Tao fished out his mobile for 110, met only by endless tones.
He fired up the search engine for crisis lines next. What hit him was a barrage of horrifying headlines.
Apocalypse has arrived!
Zombies everywhere—the globe's overrun!
Zombie plague spreads fast! Hunker down safe, await aid!
Global zombie assault underway! Flee to sparse zones for shelter!
Virus jumps via fluids, claw marks, chomps, even air (maybe).
Turn time: one minute to a day, tied to immunity strength. Guard up! If bitten, quarantine pronto and hack off the wound!
Water supplies mostly clean so far—boil, filter, or purify first. Skip if it's gone yellow or green!
Certain zombies cling to old routines—spot 'em sharp!
Zones crumbling total, utilities failing left and right...
Pro claims: Qian Country's zombie antidote nears breakthrough—we just need a tad more time!
The deluge of reports left Wang Tao dumbfounded.
How'd doomsday crash in like this!
Only out cold hours, right? Wait—no hours! Wang Tao glanced at the clock; his eatery tab was April 3, 4444, 8 PM, now April 7, 9 AM. He'd been under for three whole days?!