My Post-Apocalyptic Shelter Levels Up Infinitely! Chapter 4

After acquiring an iron block via trade, Su Mo didn't immediately put it away. Instead, he accessed the creation interface. Using one unit of the iron block, he crafted an iron axe, which significantly boosted his tree-cutting efficiency.

He mused, "The Doomsday Survival System evaluates the survival points I earn daily based on my current living conditions."

"Therefore, I must do everything possible to make my shelter more comfortable and habitable, or perhaps… more secure."

"This, in turn, will initiate a beneficial cycle…"

Su Mo contemplated this as he continued to chop down trees with his newly acquired iron axe. The shelter's current state was rather dismal. Beyond the main entrance, there was no ventilation or light, and the floorboards were completely bare. Except for a well that provided a meager number of survival points, the entire place felt like a tomb.

He kept chopping until dusk settled and his stomach began to rumble with hunger. Only then did he make his way back to the shelter.

At this point, his inventory held 20 units of wood and 8 units of plant fiber. The maximum quantity for a single item type was still unknown, but 20 units of wood was certainly sufficient for Su Mo's immediate needs.

Glancing at the pitch-black shelter, so dark he couldn't even see the stairs, Su Mo reluctantly opened the creation menu. The recipe for a [Torch (Normal)] required 1 wood and 2 plant fiber.

He processed the materials: wood -1, plant fiber -2, resulting in: Torch +1. The item description read: Torch (Normal): A brand new torch that can burn for 12 hours after being lit.

Fortunately, the survival game acknowledged fire as a fundamental human necessity, not increasing the difficulty in this regard but offering a degree of favorable treatment. Su Mo fumbled his way down the stairs to the shelter's main floor. He retrieved a lighter from his inventory and ignited the torch.

With a flick, the torch flared to life, instantly illuminating the dark shelter. Su Mo attempted to create a second well, but the system did not respond. Resigned, he stuck a wooden stick into the ground near the original well and used hemp rope to secure the torch to it, creating a rudimentary lighting fixture.

Returning to the wooden door, he secured it with a heavy latch, immediately feeling a profound sense of security wash over him. He had secured an underground shelter on the very first day of the apocalypse. He had a reliable source of water, enough food for two meals, and now, light. All these comforts provided significant relief to Su Mo after a strenuous day.

Su Mo sat on the lowest step and brought up the creation panel. Using the materials he had, he fashioned a small wooden bed, decorating it with thatch. He also constructed a crudely made chair, a wooden cup, and a small, round wooden table capable of seating three.

After crafting these items, his wood reserves dwindled to 8 units, and all his plant fiber was depleted. Despite this, Su Mo felt no disappointment; instead, his excitement grew. He moved his newly made bed further into the cave and placed the wooden table and chair closer to the entrance.

He poured 150ml of collected well water into a wooden bucket. Then, he took out his wooden cup, filled it to the brim, and set it on the table. Nearby, he placed his bread and beef jerky.

"What a luxurious dinner," he remarked. He tore off a piece of bread, inserted some beef jerky, and took a bite, washing it down with a mouthful of water. The arrival of fresh food into his famished stomach was like an oasis in a desert, bringing a pleasure far greater than anything he had ever experienced.

"I wonder how my family is doing. I must build a shelter that can accommodate my entire family before they arrive!" As he ate his beef jerky sandwich, Su Mo's thoughts drifted. The survival game offered no indication of when his family members would be sent into this world, a looming uncertainty that left him feeling as anxious as if the Sword of Damocles hung over his head.

Finishing his dinner, Su Mo opened the chat panel while his food digested. A quick glance at the World Channel revealed that everyone was still preoccupied with searching for food and water. Nearly eight hours had passed since everyone had been abruptly transported into this world. Su Mo's underground shelter was now considerably more habitable, while most others were left with mere empty structures, forced to endure the night on the cold ground with empty stomachs and parched throats.

Some had sustained injuries, though many were fortunate to find valuable items in treasure chests. Tragically, others had already met their end during this brief half-day period. The small groups in the Regional Channel, initially comprising 1000 individuals, now showed fewer participants.

Upon checking at this moment, Su Mo observed that the headcount in the lower right corner had drastically shifted to 988. In a mere span of half a day, 12 individuals had perished, casting a heavy pall of pressure over those who remained.

It was imperative to explore with utmost caution and to act strictly within one's capabilities; otherwise, death could easily befall anyone. Some unfortunates, overwhelmed by the triumph of discovering a treasure chest, became oblivious to the lurking mutant creatures nearby, leading to their demise via a surprise attack. Others, in their rashness, challenged unknown mutant beasts and were obliterated within seconds. The common thread among those who met their end on the inaugural day was a distinct death wish.

“Engaging mutant creatures carries both rewards and severe dangers. It seems the majority who perished treated this world as if it were merely a game. How utterly foolish,” someone commented.

“While my progress is adequate for now, starting tomorrow, I intend to focus on rigorous self-training. Otherwise, my fate will be beyond my control when I inevitably confront a mutant creature,” another survivor stated.

“As for this corrosive acid rain… I desperately need a comprehensive ventilation and drainage system. My hope is to stockpile at least three days' worth of provisions before the disaster strikes!”

Su Mo found himself lost in contemplation.

He understood that encountering mutated creatures was an unavoidable reality if he intended to survive in this world.

He might still manage during the novice stage, as the mutant creatures were presumed to be somewhat less formidable then.

At the very least, judging by the system's parameters, even adults armed with basic weaponry could likely prevail against them…

Should he choose to postpone confronting this grim inevitability, the opportunity to steel his courage and temperament would vanish entirely once the novice period concluded.

After departing the chat channel, he navigated to the trading platform.

Much like in the afternoon, the prevailing activity involved exchanging essential supplies for food and water. After all, survival resources would undoubtedly be the most scarce and highly coveted commodities in the initial days.

“Remarkable, someone is actually trading a unique item.”

As Su Mo perused the listings, his attention was caught by a transaction entry flagged with a unique item designation.

[Seller: Chen Pingan]

[Trade Item: Elementary-level Monster Illustration Handbook (consumable upon use)]

[Required Item: 1L of water]

[Remark: I exclusively desire water, WATER! Anyone proposing trades involving other items will face severe repercussions.]

“Whoa, this seller is quite the cantankerous individual,” Su Mo remarked, a slight raise of his eyebrows as he absorbed the accompanying comments.

Upon delving into individual trading posts, he observed that the interface bore a resemblance to Xianyu's secondhand goods exchange. At that moment, a torrent of abusive remarks flooded the platform.

“Is he genuinely attempting to trade a monster illustration handbook for water? Has his thirst completely addled his senses? He should question his own worthiness first.”

“We all know monster illustration handbooks are perpetually available. However, without water, you’ll be dead by tomorrow. So, what’s the more pertinent exchange? I’ll offer you 200ml of child’s urine. A generous deal for you, wouldn't you say?”

“Friend, I possess 500ml of wolf blood. Interested? It should suffice to see you through the night.”

…

An increasing deluge of comments began to inundate the trading platform, obscuring any potential indication of whether the seller, Chen Pingan, was becoming agitated or not.

Soon, a new listing appeared on his personal page.

[Seller: Chen Pingan]

[Trade Item: Pears *10]

[Required Item: 100ml of water per pear]

[Remark: Those seeking a bargain can immediately depart. I can endure one night without water. Anyone attempting to haggle with their paltry offerings will be dismissed.]

This freshly posted item ignited further outrage among the users. The barrage of insults did not subside; instead, it escalated.

Su Mo, who had initially contemplated contacting the seller to negotiate, found himself compelled to abandon the idea.

He had a need for the monster illustration handbook, and 1L of water was not an exorbitant amount. However, his current water reserves were insufficient, leaving him with no alternative but to postpone the acquisition until the following day.

After performing a few brief stretches, he utilized two units of wood to craft a wooden spear, placing it beside his sleeping area. Settling onto his straw bedding, Su Mo extinguished the torch.

His shelter lacked any form of ventilation, meaning a burning torch within its confines could rapidly deplete the available oxygen in the subterranean dwelling.

Gradually, he succumbed to the embrace of sleep.

Clutching the wooden spear tightly, Su Mo drifted into a profound slumber.

Within his dreams, he envisioned a future where he had constructed an automated, super-luxurious shelter by the time his family members joined him in this world.

Not even a cataclysmic meteorite impact or an absolute zero meteorological event could inflict damage upon this sanctuary.

He saw the joyful smile of his younger sister and the approving gazes of his parents…

However, an unfathomable reality unfolded while the sleeping Su Mo dreamt: nearly ten million human lives were silently extinguished on that very day.

Sufficient food and water enabled Su Mo to endure the damp and chilling night. For others, fortune did not smile so kindly.

The constant gnawing of thirst and hunger, coupled with the ever-present threat of mutant creatures, had stretched their nerves to their absolute limit.

It was precisely at this critical juncture that the advantages of selecting an underground shelter became strikingly apparent. At the very least, during these initial stages, the survivors could find a measure of relief from the immediate concern of nocturnal beast assaults.