Apocalypse: I Can See the HP Bar, Killing Monsters Drops Loot

“Excuse me for a moment, you can take your time choosing.”

Another group of survivors had arrived, and the staff member left the blueprint behind to attend to them.

Wang Tao found the blueprint very interesting.

The best living environment here is the quadrangle, of which there are only two. But there are four major powers in Zijing City, and excluding the Zijin Base, that leaves three. What does it mean to leave only two quadrangles?

Next are the standalone villas, of which there are eight in total.

If you say the quadrangles are for the four major powers, then these standalone villas are for the mid-sized powers. But there are at least a dozen or possibly more mid-sized powers in Zijing City, at least that was the count before.

And now there are only eight villas—do they really expect so many mid-sized powers to compete for these few homes?

As for the number of suites and single rooms that follow, there are not many of those either. Even the quantity of the collective dormitories is sparse, which is absurd. Do they expect people to camp out in tents?

Unless people squeeze a bit into the quadrangles, standalone villas, and suites, there should be enough room to accommodate everyone. But certainly, not many would be willing to share. This isn’t about being stingy, but rather a matter of face.

Moreover, Zijin Base’s next move is even more extreme; their residency rules are not based on a first-come, first-served basis, nor does Zijin Base decide the order. Instead, they let these external forces compete among themselves, and only those who win in combat can move in!

Each power has three chances to challenge and be challenged, which can only be used during the day. Zijin Base claims that the reason for setting individual duels is to prevent damage to good relationships, as a high-stakes contest where one fight decides everything. Win and you secure a residence, lose and you can either step down or challenge another power.

To live in a house, you have to fight for it—quite bizarre indeed.

However, most people probably know that Zijin Base is intentionally creating division among them.

Because this upgrade operation, in its early stages, is essentially a negotiation, and Zijin Base doesn’t want others to unite too much, which would be disadvantageous for it to exert its influence.

But what can you do when you know? It’s an overt scheme that can’t be broken. After all, the other forces are inherently disunited and unlikely to join together to resist Zijin Base.

And surely, many would relish the chance to challenge others.

After all, there are no firsts in literature and seconds in martial arts. With the previous rankings, there are definitely those who are not satisfied. Now that everyone is gathered together, Zijin Base has provided this opportunity, which is perfect for a show of strength.

This isn’t just about face and vanity, but also reputation. If these forces want to develop in the post-apocalyptic world, they need a lot of people. And the simplest way to attract people is to have a good reputation.

Good welfare is one aspect, and strength is another—and the latter is more important!

After all, this is a perilous post-apocalyptic world; one can make do even with poor welfare benefits, but without strength, one would die…

“Brother Wang, how should we choose?”

Nie Siyan sidled up to Wang Tao and asked quietly.

She was no fool and could naturally see Zijin Base’s sinister intentions, but she was conflicted.

“Whatever.”

Wang Tao responded nonchalantly.

He often just found any place to sleep when he was in the wilderness and wasn’t very concerned about the sleeping environment.

“…”

Nie Siyan’s mouth fell open in surprise; she used to hate the word “whatever” the most. But now that it came from Wang Tao, she was bitterly amused.

Moreover, Nie Siyan felt that even though Wang Tao said “whatever,” it could be a test for her. She couldn’t just choose anything…

“No one would choose the bad places—choosing those would embarrass me, and Brother Wang would be unhappy. But the good places are already taken. To choose one, I would need to fight for it…” 𝙍áꞐ𝔬𝐛È𝘚

Nie Siyan looked at the standalone villas with a twinge of eagerness.

Her abilities were much improved from the past; she was not the same person she used to be!

Nevertheless, after pondering for a moment, she decided to play it safe and go for a compromise by choosing a mid-tier suite.

The main reason was Wang Tao’s presence. If he was not there, she would certainly go for broke—losing would just mean losing; she wasn’t afraid of embarrassment with her thick skin. But with Wang Tao there, if she lost, wouldn’t that be a disgrace for him? Hence, choosing a suite was the safer bet.

However, just then a group of people passed by, engaged in a hushed conversation. Nie Siyan, with her sharp hearing, caught every word.

“… Observing for so long, which power should we challenge?”

“Don’t rush! Each power only has three chances to challenge; we must seize them wisely! It doesn’t matter about face, but I’ve heard Zijin Base has spent a hefty sum this time, preparing a welcome gift for the higher-ranking powers, including a Level 2 Crystal Core! And how is this ranking determined? It can’t possibly be by voting, right? It has to be fought out…”

Nie Siyan caught the conversation, and naturally, Wang Tao heard it too.

Wang Tao felt these people were like plants. What were the odds that people would just happen to pass by discussing this while choosing residences? And they spoke with such detail that a Second-order Superpower Owner could hear everything clearly.

But this too was an overt scheme.

After all, a Level 2 Crystal Core is something everyone lacks and desires.

However, Wang Tao kept silent; how to choose was Nie Siyan’s decision, and he would not interfere too much.

“Brother Wang, I’ve decided to fight for a villa!”

A moment later, Nie Siyan declared resolutely.

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