<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"</span>[<span lang="EN-US">Host</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: Anthony<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Gender</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: Male<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Age</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: 23<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Level</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: Mid-stage
of Second Awakening, Semi-Awakened<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Spirit</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: 0.4 (Can
amplify combat power by 40%)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Intelligence</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: 8.5
(Normal humans are at 1)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Strength</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: 39.1
(Normal humans are at 1)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Agility</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: 20.1
(Normal humans are at 1)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Mental Power</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: 9.8
(Normal humans are at 1)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Virus Resistance</span>]<span lang="EN-US">:
1.7 (Upon reaching 1, immune to first-stage Variant and lower-level regular zombie
viruses)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Abilities</span>]<span lang="EN-US">:
(Awakening Level: 53.0%)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Skills</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: Qi
Cultivation Method, Hard Qi Gong, Meditation, Martial Arts (Advanced), Double
Stacked Force<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Overall Combat Power</span>]<span lang="EN-US">: 76.7"<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Anthony scanned through the information
from top to bottom and was satisfied with the current enhancements.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He had reached the mid-stage of Second
Awakening in Qi Cultivation, with a Spirit value of 0.4, which amplified his
combat power by 40%.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The promotion to
the mid-stage of Second Awakening warrior didn't bring significant increases to
his physical attributes.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">His strength had reached 3910 kilograms,
surpassing that of a regular first-stage Smasher.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, when faced with a raging
first-stage Smasher, he could only avoid its attacks unless he used the Double
Stacked Force or triggered his Spirit value.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>His speed had increased to 140.7 meters per second, twice as fast as a
regular first-stage Reaper.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Similarly,
when confronting a raging first-stage Reaper, he needed to amplify his combat
power.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The increase in his mental attribute to 9.8
manifested in his practice of Qi Cultivation.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>He felt like he had grasped something, but there was still a thin film
separating him from fully understanding it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>This mystical state intrigued him.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>His Awakening level had reached 53%, and at the current rate of a 2%
increase per day, he would successfully awaken in another 24 days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"I wonder what kind of ability I will
awaken?"<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anthony murmured and
exited the system interface.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Overall, his current strength allowed him
to face lower-level Variant creatures without being defeated.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, when facing a higher-level
first-stage creature, he still fell short in power.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With that in mind, Anthony directly said,
"System, open the base's shop."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"Ding!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The shop is now open."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After a night, the items in the shop had
refreshed.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"Permanent Item: Level 1 Apocalypse
Pistol Bullet (20 energy points/round)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Powerful enough to penetrate a first-stage
Variant.</span>]<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Level 1 Sniper Bullet Price (50 energy
points/round)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Capable of directly piercing through the
defense of a first-stage Variant, can harm second-stage Variants.</span>]<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Shop Items: Level 1 Apocalypse Bomb (100
energy points) (Quantity: 5)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Explosion power capable of severely
injuring a first-stage Variant, explosion damage radius of 5 meters, one-time
use.</span>]<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Level 1 Apocalypse Pistol (200 energy
points)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Powerful enough to penetrate a first-stage
Variant and inflict damage, magazine capacity of 6 rounds, bullet price (20
energy points/round).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Note: The
mentioned bullet item is permanent and can be purchased in the permanent items
section.</span>]<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Level 1 Optical Stealth Cloak (200 energy
points):<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal">[<span lang="EN-US">Can evade tracking by a first-stage
Variant, has a certain degree of confusion effect on second-stage Variants.</span>]<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Level 1 Awakening Potion (5000 energy
points)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">[No side effects, can awaken ordinary
individuals, awakened abilities determined by personal genetics.]<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Level 1 Steel Armor (300 energy points)<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">[Can withstand three attacks from a
first-tier mutant, becomes unusable after three attacks.]<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">After scanning through the options, the
Level 1 Awakening Potion caught Anthony's interest.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>However, he didn't want to rely on external
means to awaken.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Instead, he thought
Cheryl and the others could benefit from it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>As for the other items, Anthony considered his options.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He had previously made a deal with Ross,
and Verna and Cheryl were the only ones left with Level 1 Apocalypse Bombs, so
he decided to restock.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Without hesitation, Anthony said,
"Clear the product list and purchase 20 rounds of Level 1 Apocalypse
Pistol Bullets."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"Ding!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Will you spend 6400 energy points to
purchase the selected items?"<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"Buy!"<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anthony responded decisively.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"Ding!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Purchase successful.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The items have been delivered within two
meters of the host.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Please retrieve
them."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">With those words, a bright light flashed,
and a large number of items appeared on the floor of the gym. Without even
looking, Anthony waved his hand and stored them directly in his spatial
ring.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Once he finished, Anthony headed
straight to the bathroom, turned on the showerhead, and started showering.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The training intensity in the gym had
increased, and even with his current physical fitness, he still worked up a
sweat.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Moreover, Anthony preferred to
stay clean.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Perhaps it was a trait of
the Chu people, but he felt uncomfortable if he didn't take a shower for a day.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">As he was halfway through his shower, the
monitor flickered twice, and a news broadcast from Chu City started
playing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The news anchor was a young
woman dressed in camouflage, with short and neat hair, a small and straight
nose, wheat-colored skin, and sharp eyebrows, exuding a heroic aura.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The woman's name appeared on the desk in
front of her—Winni.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"Hello, everyone.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I'm Winni, the news anchor for the Chu City
Survivor Base.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>From now on, I will be
hosting news about Chu Province.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Let's
start with the current affairs news."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The first news report: "On July 12,
2024, at 16:10, our Chu City base soldiers successfully recaptured the areas along
the Chu River Bridge.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>This signifies
that our military has the ability and strength to gradually regain control of
various parts of Chu City."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">The second news report: "Since the end
of the major flood on June 27, a large number of zombies have appeared.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our military has identified different types
of zombies and named them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is
crucial for the surviving citizens to remember this information.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Normal zombies: slow-moving, weaker than
adults, can be killed alone, and their heads are the fatal weakness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Mutated zombies: swift and powerful,
stronger than adults, require multiple people to surround and kill them, and
their heads are the fatal weakness."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"First-tier Reapers: With scythe-like
arms, they stand at a height of 2.78 meters, with a gray-white body, an
eight-petal mouth with sharp teeth, tremendous strength, and incredible
speed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ordinary people cannot match
them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If encountered, it is essential
to find cover and avoid fleeing.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The
fatal weakness is the head."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"First-tier Crushers: Human-sized,
with a height of 3.12 meters, gray-white body, muscular physique, greater
strength than Reapers, but slower speed.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>Ordinary people cannot match them.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>If encountered, one should immediately seek help from a Reaper."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">First-tier Slaughterer: Bizarre in
appearance, covered in bone spurs, has two forms, gray-white all over, muscular
physique.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If encountered, immediately
seek cover, cannot be fought head-on.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">First-tier Mutant: Bizarre in shape,
various forms, unknown abilities, cannot be fought head-on.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Second-tier Death Crusher: An evolved
version of the first-tier Crusher, standing at a height of 5.22 meters,
reddish-purple all over, immense strength, equivalent intelligence of three
pairs of children, cannot be fought head-on.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Second-tier Death Reaper: An evolved
version of the first-tier Reaper, 2 meters tall, reddish-purple all over,
immense strength, agile movements, equivalent intelligence of a 3-year-old
child, cannot be fought head-on.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Second-tier Death Slaughterer: An evolved
version of the first-tier Slaughterer, 2 meters tall, reddish-purple all over,
covered in bone spurs, equivalent intelligence of a six-year-old child, cannot
be fought head-on..."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Anthony frowned as he looked at the row of
information.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He never expected that
second-tier mutated zombies had already appeared in Chu City.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">"Finally, we have one more news
update.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our base soldiers have
dispatched search and rescue teams to various parts of Chu Province and have
established temporary survivor bases in different cities.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Therefore, we urge the citizens of Chu
Province not to panic or worry but to maintain a positive mindset and await the
arrival of rescue personnel."<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Anthony turned off the news.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Suddenly, he remembered something about the
Linxian Survivor Base.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Half a month
after the base was established, it suffered a devastating blow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It seemed that a second-tier zombie led a
group of zombies to attack the base.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At
that time, all five awakened individuals and 20 semi-awakened individuals from
the Linxian Survivor Base were mobilized.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes">
</span>It took the sacrifice of 100 survivors and the injuries of 10
semi-awakened individuals and three awakened individuals to eliminate the
second-tier zombie.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anthony fought
alongside the crowd and the zombies, and if he hadn't hidden in a pile of
debris later, he might have been one of the survivors who died.<o:p></o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">It is still unclear whether this
second-tier zombie has reemerged, and without Evan and the other awakened
individuals guarding the base, will the base still be attacked by zombies as
before?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>"How should I inform Ross
and the others?"<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Anthony pondered
with a furrowed brow.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Suddenly, the satellite
phone in the room rang.<o:p></o:p></span>