C1 CHAPTER1

Age of Apocalypse: The Harsh Terrain Base City

The earth, once peaceful and green, was on a path to an ecological and sustainable future. However, a devastating virus struck, ushering in the age of Apocalypse. In this new era, nearly 90% of the population succumbed to the virus, transforming into zombies. The survivors began building new settlements to protect themselves, known as base cities.

Half a month after being thrust into this barren and dangerous world, Sam Moreels, who had witnessed several of his neighbors being devoured, reluctantly accepted that he was now living in the end times. As he wandered the streets searching for work to survive, the owner of the store where he hoped to start working suddenly lunged at him, attempting to bite. Fortunately, the counter separated him from the once-friendly old man who had turned into a zombie right before his eyes.

During the zombie's erratic struggle, the large door, held up by rusty nails, collapsed and fell on the zombie, ending the threat. While still in shock from the sudden events, Sam heard:

"Ding! Detected abnormal soul body. Apocalypse's strongest supplier system activated.

"Ding! Announcement of the first mission [Open a Grocery Store]."

"Mission Introduction: Find a shop and open a new shop."

"Time Limit: One day."

"Reward for Success: Open level 1 Pill Supply Channel."

"Punishment for Failure: The System will perish along with the Host!"

"Note: As the most incredible supplier of the future, how can you possibly lose?"

With a look of surprise and a goofy smile, he thought, "Finally, it's my turn." This was the system every transmigrator hoped for. After ensuring no one approached this forgotten place, he decided to seize his chance. The owner had died, turned into a zombie, and tried to eat him. This was poetic justice.

"System, I choose this place as a new store."

"Ding! It's not good enough. Not qualified..."

Faced with the system's picky attitude, he could only force a smile. "In this forgotten world on the brink of destruction, was it necessary to be so demanding?" Sam thought. With nothing else to do, he rolled up his sleeves, dragged the disfigured body away from the store, picked up the fallen cash register, rearranged the counter, and swept away any visible dust.

Finally, he focused on the massive door now lying on the ground. With considerable effort, he managed to lift it just enough to lean it against the wall. Then, he gathered the only remaining item in the store—bandages. He threaded them through the side holes and secured them to the brackets still attached to the wall. He used up all the bandages to ensure he wouldn't become the door's next victim.

Seeing the fruits of his labor, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked, "Is it enough? Can I open the store?"

"Ding! Barely qualified! [Open a Grocery Store] Mission completed!"

"Ding! Reward obtained, activating level-1 pill supply channel!"

"Level-1 pill supply channel: For each payment of 10 spiritual coins, the level-1 pill supply channel will be opened."

Sam's face lit up. He could finally open the store and start making money. Thinking about money, he went to the cash register, which was still intact, and opened it to find 70 spiritual coins.

"Even though this store is in the common district on the city's edge, there are still occasional zombie attacks."

"It would be better to quickly accumulate enough money to move to the central area. Although there are still attacks, at least the army guards that area."

"System, open the supply channel seven times for the level-1 pill."

"Ding! Obtained two level-1 Strength Enhancing Pills, two level-1 Blood Replenishing Pills, two level-1 Godly Speed Pills, two level-1 Energizing Pills!"

"Level-1 Strength Enhancing Pill: Temporarily increases the user's strength by about 1,100 pounds."

"Level-1 Blood Replenishing Pill: Can heal the user's injuries."

"Level-1 Godly Speed Pill: Temporarily increases the user's speed by a certain amount."

"Level-1 Energizing Pill: Recovers the user's mental energy by a certain amount."

As he planned his market strategy and how to arrange the few pills on his shelf, another notification appeared.

"Ding! Level-1 pills must be sold for 1,000 spiritual coins!"

"How is it possible to sell anything at that price? What if we start with a more conservative price and raise it once we have a stable clientele?"

"Ding! The host doesn't have enough authority; prices cannot be changed!"

"Ding! New Mission [The First Sale] - Mission Introduction: Sell a pill and earn the first commission!"

"Time Limit: Three Days!"

"Rewards: A seven-star Awakened Biochemical Guard!"

"Punishment for Failure: The system will be suspended for one year!"

With no way to negotiate with this demanding system, he had no choice but to get to work. He arranged the pills on the front shelf of the store and put up a sign with the name and price of each pill.

He doubted he could earn the enticing reward... A seven-star Awakened Biochemical Guard, a real lifesaver in this world.

With the onset of the Apocalypse, humans began to gradually awaken their powers. The Awakened was the lowest level, ranked from 1 to 10 stars based on strength. There were also the Evolved, whose powers far surpassed The Awakened. Even stronger beings were rumored, but here in this wasteland, a seven-star Awakened was considered relatively strong.

A few hours after the store officially opened, and after getting tired of shouting to no avail, a customer finally arrived. But before Sam could even greet him...

"Holy crap, 1000 spiritual coins for a pill? Are you sure that's the price for one pill and not the whole store? Who knew there'd be someone so shameless around here."

Customers started coming in, but only to see someone trying to pull a fast one in broad daylight. Some just laughed, while others criticized the seller.

On the third day, as he pondered how difficult it would be to sell his first pill, wondering if he'd have to make a trip downtown to offer it, someone interrupted his thoughts.

"Where's the kind old man who ran this store?"

A large, burly man filled his view, staring at him, waiting for a response.

"The old man left the store to me as an inheritance and moved on."

Seeing the man simply nod and begin to examine the pills, Sam continued to think about his plans to go downtown. However, he was interrupted again.

"What is the quality of your merchandise and what are the effects?"

"The Strength Enhancement Pill will temporarily boost your strength, and the Godly Speed Pill will temporarily increase your speed! It's that simple!"

"Is there really such a miraculous pill?"

At Sam's indifferent nod, the man picked up one of the pills and examined it closely, smelling it. The fragrance coursed through his body, activating his power. Just the scent had awakened his abilities.

The man's eyes sparkled. "Is there a discount?"

"No discounts, no credit, no loans, no exchanges—only the official price in spiritual coins," the salesman replied with an equally indifferent tone.

The man sighed at the refusal. Just when Sam thought the client would finally let him proceed with his plans, he heard something unexpected.

"It's no use carrying coins in this wasteland. I want a pill to enhance strength and one of those divine speed pills."

Even with the money in front of him, Sam couldn't believe it. Three days had passed, and he had even considered going downtown to sell them.

"Ding! Mission Completed [The First Sale] - Rewards: Seven-Star Awakened Biochemical Guard!"

"Ding! Because the host has completed the mission beyond expectations, you are rewarded with the opportunity to draw a lottery ticket."