Volume One: The Apocalypse Begins Chapter 16: Distributing Supplies and the First Organized Mobilization

“Ding, the Rescuer mission has been issued. When in adversity, tend to oneself; when prosperous, help the world.

In the apocalypse, a small team of a few people might stand a chance at survival, but a better life is nearly impossible. Helping others within one’s means is essentially helping oneself.

Host, please strive to ensure that as many people in your community as possible complete the survival tasks of the apocalypse. Mission rewards will be distributed based on completion.”

At heart, Chen Guang was reluctant to share the supplies he had painstakingly gathered with others for no reason.

Though he usually presented himself as a sunny, athletic young man with a playful streak, he held a rather pessimistic view of human nature.

He had been adopted at the age of three by the Xiang family—Mr. and Mrs. Xiang—who treated him very well. Except for his younger sister, Xiao Xiao, who had grown distant since middle school, his upbringing was warm and harmonious.

Yet, he was abandoned by his biological parents at birth and left at an orphanage. Though his memories of that time were vague due to his young age, the experience inevitably cast a long shadow over his worldview and personality.

Moreover, when he awakened memories of his previous life at twenty, the tragic twenty-six years of that existence also left their mark.

As a result, apart from his family—his parents and younger sister—he was indifferent to others, even regarding life and death.

Thus, when the apocalypse first struck, without the system’s reminder, his first thought was to take advantage of the two students distracting the giant mites and make a run for it.

Later, upon returning to the community, he heard screams from Building 1, Unit 2, but without hesitation, he ran home instead of helping.

After confirming his family was safe, only then did he take a shower and have breakfast before suggesting the family go out to clear the monsters from the community.

If his life were a novel, as the protagonist, offering supplies for free to unrelated strangers at the apocalypse’s onset would surely earn him harsh criticism from readers—what kind of overly saintly behavior is that?

But now, with both his father’s expectations and system rewards, giving away a few boxes of canned fruit seemed perfectly acceptable.

Meeting his father’s hopeful gaze, Chen Guang said, “We’ve cleared out a wave of monsters outside. Even if new ones appear, there shouldn’t be many left.

It won’t serve much as a drill now. Mom and Xiao Xiao don’t need to go out. The two of us will quickly transport the canned fruit back and spend the afternoon trying to mobilize our neighbors to relocate and cohabit, as well as form a patrol team.”

His father, Xiang Dongliang, was deeply comforted by his son’s support and replied, “All right, let’s rest a bit and then move quickly.”

Leaving the stun batons with Xiao Xiao and their mother for self-defense, Chen Guang repeatedly warned her not to open the door to anyone except him and his father. Then, pushing a cart and wielding his meteor hammer, he followed his father out once more.

This time, there were no monsters in the community. It was unclear whether the monster spawn point on the side of Building 3 hadn’t refreshed yet or if the wandering monsters had moved elsewhere.

Walking onto Front Street, which was usually somewhat lively with cars and pedestrians, now utterly deserted except for two newly appeared giant mites roaming the road.

Half a day had passed since the apocalypse began, and despite multiple outings, he had yet to encounter anyone else gathering supplies or killing monsters.

Ahead, Xiang Dongliang tapped his shield with a stun fork to attract the mites’ attention, while Chen Guang kept his eyes on the sky, wary not to overlook the greenery lining the street.

The two giant mites were dispatched easily, and the shutter of a small convenience store was lifted. Such a commotion, yet no monsters were drawn here.

Perhaps the desiccated corpses of over a dozen monsters along this street served as a deterrent to the more intelligent creatures, who avoided the area entirely.

Only instinct-driven mites would dare roam where so many monster carcasses lay.

Seeing the eight boxes of canned fruit his father had dragged out on a four-wheeled cart, Chen Guang noted there was still room for more and suggested, “Let’s bring back two bags of rice, just in case some neighbors lack staples. We can help them get through the first three days of the apocalypse.”

Xiang Dongliang smiled appreciatively. “You always think ahead.”

They returned to the store to fetch two ten-kilogram bags of rice, adding them to the cart.

No obstacles were encountered on the way back.

Chen Guang pulled the cart with one hand and held the meteor hammer in the other as they reached the foot of Building 1. He could clearly feel many eyes watching them from windows above.

In fact, whether during the morning’s cleanup or the earlier supply runs, he had sensed watchful gazes behind the windows.

Yet, aside from Uncle Hu downstairs, no one had initiated conversation with them.

Taking a deep breath, Xiang Dongliang spoke loudly in a low voice, “I’m Xiang Dongliang, a resident of the third floor, Unit 2, Building 3 in our community. Having lived here for so many years, most of you should know me.

Communication has effectively been cut off, and rescue is unlikely anytime soon. We must find ways to save ourselves.

From what the system tells us about these otherworldly monsters, they cannot breach security windows or doors to harm us. But a simple glass window is no match for their attacks.

Therefore, I suggest those living above the fourth floor temporarily move downstairs to cohabit with familiar neighbors. In the apocalypse, it’s better to watch out for one another.

Already, three households in Unit 2, Building 1 have fallen victim to monsters. I hope everyone can help each other through this crisis.

I can’t offer much assistance, but if you trust me, I will escort residents from the fourth floor downwards. Those willing to move down or accept upstairs neighbors are asked to prepare.

Starting from the fifth floor of Unit 2, Building 1, we will go door to door. Additionally, I want to form a neighborhood defense team to clear monsters from the community.

Though these monsters look terrifying, with weapons and proper coordination, they can be killed.

Killing monsters grants spiritual energy points—50 points level up our abilities, increasing our strength.

Participation in the defense team is voluntary. Please consider carefully; fighting monsters carries risks.”

As Xiang Dongliang finished speaking loudly for some time, a giant dragonfly was attracted by the noise and swiftly dived at him.

Alert to the sky, Chen Guang’s meteor hammer was already charged. He deliberately waited for the dragonfly to descend to four or five meters—visible to all Building 1 residents—before striking fiercely.