Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot Chapter 3 - 3 3: I Can See HP Bars_1
Previously on Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot...
After finishing his meal, Wang Tao meticulously scanned the area around him through several windows inside the house.
From the window facing south, within the courtyard of the residential complex, he spotted about a dozen or so zombies. These were merely the ones visible to him; additional ones could lurk in hidden spots. Moreover, zombies were surely present within these four buildings as well.
Yet, the emergence of the zombie virus didnt occur on a weekend, and the rain had ceased. It seemed probable that many workers had ventured out. That could be the sole piece of positive news.
Beyond the north-facing windows, across the main road, lay a landscape of utter ruin. Numerous vehicles had collided, blood stained the ground profusely, yet no bodies remained in sight—only a handful of savage zombies roamed aimlessly.
Naturally, Wang Tao doubted that just these few zombies populated the road. The limited angle from his windows restricted his sight, leaving many areas obscured. Conceivably, zombies hid within cars, shops, shadows, or even right at the building's base below him!
Shaking his head with a touch of helplessness, Wang Tao proceeded to evaluate the present circumstances.
Rescue remained a distant prospect, but prior to its arrival, the provisions in his home might prove inadequate.
Should he seek food from neighbors' residences? That was evidently unfeasible.
Wang Tao never relied on others' kindness, and given the dire situation, the odds of successfully borrowing anything neared zero.
Just one course lay ahead: venture outside to scavenge for sustenance!
The nearby small eateries beyond the community surely held ample food supplies, and they were quite proximate to his dwelling.
Nevertheless, proximity demanded traversing the yard. Wang Tao possessed considerable strength, yet he harbored doubts about overcoming more than ten zombies single-handedly.
Abruptly.
Thump, thump, thump!
A sequence of heavy thuds echoed from the door.
Could it be the neighbor's sister-in-law? Or perhaps...
Wang Tao stayed silent.
He crept quietly to the entrance and peered through the peephole, a chill prickling his scalp.
Beyond the door stood a blood-soaked zombie, its neck and face marred by contorted, blackened veins, face contorted in rage, eyes showing milky pupils, as it hammered relentlessly on Wang Tao's door!
Thump, thump, thump!
This individual was familiar to Wang Tao. He appeared to be the solitary man in his thirties residing on the upper floor.
Have the zombies located me?!
Wang Tao swiftly seized a kitchen knife, positioning himself by the door with mounting tension. Though he believed the zombie couldnt breach his reinforced security door, the absence of a weapon left him profoundly uneasy.
Yet, upon glancing through the peephole once more, Wang Tao froze in surprise.
Huh? What is this?
He observed a slender red strip suspended above the zombie's head, accompanied by the inscription 500/500.
This crimson strip floated ethereally over the zombie's head, defying the appearance of a tangible item.
After some time, the zombie abandoned efforts on Wang Tao's door and shifted to battering the door of room 502 opposite. The red bar persisted in Wang Tao's vision, its dimensions unaltered.
This resembles the health bars in the video games I enjoy.
Wang Tao felt a surge of amazement.
Aaah
Suddenly, a sharp feminine shriek pierced from the adjacent room. Wang Tao remained unfazed by the zombie itself, but the cry startled him considerably.
Roar!
Bang bang bang!
Triggered by the scream, the zombie reacted like a feline detecting prey, furiously assaulting the door to room 502!
Zombies move sluggishly without detecting activity. But upon sensing motion, they enter a berserk state. The sister-in-law's ability to scream so vigorously suggests she's secure momentarily...
Wang Tao kept watching the zombie via the peephole.
The opposing door was similarly robust, and after two or three minutes of pounding, the zombie reverted to its lethargic demeanor and lumbered down the stairs gradually.
I've pounded for a couple of minutes; any other zombies should have been drawn by the noise. Does this imply only one zombie occupies this unit's corridor? With just one, perhaps I can attempt...
A spark of determination lit in Wang Tao's eyes.
Eventually, he would need to exit for resources, likely facing zombies. He urgently required insight into their power and his capacity to confront them.
Furthermore, he suspected the ability to perceive zombies' HP bars!
Wait, if these are truly HP bars, then surely I possess one as well?
Wang Tao prepared to seek a mirror when, merely by focusing on his own HP bar, a golden bar materialized in his sight!
A text label accompanied it: 100/100, and with his intent, the figures shifted to 100%!
Clarity struck him instantly—this represented his personal HP bar!
100/100 denoted his full HP of 100, with current HP at 100. The 100% reflected the bar's proportion.
I truly can view HP bars!
Thrill coursed through Wang Tao. Prior to the outbreak, while scouring online news, he hadnt encountered reports of such an ability in others.
Currently, only one zombie lingers in the corridor, boasting 500 HP against my mere 100. Yet, this presents a prime opportunity for a solo encounter! It would betray my hard-earned physique to forgo the test! Time to proceed!
Seizing this uncommon chance, Wang Tao resolved to probe the zombie's capabilities.
However, not immediately; he needed to build his stamina and devise suitable defenses first. Zombies carried contagion, and infection spelled doom.
Time to loosen up!
Wang Tao moved to the living room for push-ups.
1, 2 Huh? Why does my stamina seem improved? Am I imagining it?
Press on! 3, 4 498, 499, 500! Huff~
Perspiration trickled from his tensed muscles onto the ground, forming a modest pool. With the final repetition done, Wang Tao rolled over and sprang up agilely.
Gulp gulp~
After downing half a bottle of water, Wang Tao brimmed with enthusiasm.
No illusion! My bodily state has authentically strengthened!
His original fitness allowed over a hundred flawless push-ups consecutively, outpacing most individuals.
But this time, he executed five hundred without pause! Post-five hundred, residual vigor suggested he could match another set.
Still, excessive exertion wasnt advisable abruptly, particularly while confined. Moderation was key; ample opportunities lay ahead.
Roar~
Another guttural roar resounded from the corridor.
Peering through the peephole revealed the zombie ascending to the upper level.
At first, the zombie's roars had unnerved Wang Tao, but repeated exposure dulled the fear.
I'll recharge today and deal with you tomorrow!
After voicing this to himself, Wang Tao consumed more food, then resumed his training routine.
He persisted until dusk, then headed for a shower.
Before the bathroom mirror.
Eh? Where did the scar on my face go?
Wang Tao realized the intimidating facial scar had vanished! Beyond that, various small wounds on his body had healed. Additionally, his muscles felt even more pronounced!
Gazing at his refined features and potent musculature in the reflection, Wang Tao overflowed with elation.
Appearance mattered less; the crux was his bolstered physical prowess, the erasure of scars and old damages. Now, the zombie HP bars entered the equation...
This is my golden opportunity!