After giving it some thought, I retrieved a bag from my storage space, packed it with essentials, and stowed it away again. I'll take it out when I get closer to any living beings—humans, I mean. After finishing a sandwich and drinking some water from the space, I left the store, searching for a sturdy shelter. A bath would be nice, too. Where could I find warm water? Maybe I'll need to start a fire later. I remembered seeing a torch earlier, so it shouldn't be too difficult... Sigh.
As I started walking, it became clear that this place wasn't just deserted—it looked like a massacre had taken place. Thank God for anatomy class, those shifts in the morgue, and the autopsies. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to move through this freely, especially with skeletons and scattered bones lying around, untouched by time.
Just then, in an alley, I spotted a large tree bearing strange fruit. It resembled dragon fruit, but the color was black—screaming poisonous. I had no intention of going near it. But just as I was turning away, a message popped up:
You have discovered an Exhaustic Fruit. Click for more info
Are you kidding me? This demonic fruit is edible? I got closer, plucked one from the tree, and examined it. The stench was unbearable, like a rotting corpse, and its color—lacking any vibrancy—made it even more disturbing. Who in their right mind would eat this thing? But still, while holding it, curiosity got the better of me, and I clicked "more info."
Congratulations! You have discovered a rare fruit.
Name: Corpse Eater
Description: The tree absorbs the essence of a hundred zombies to purify the area and stores it within the fruit.
Effects: The fruit is full of the zombie virus and can grant the eater immense energy and strength.
Current Status: Cannot be consumed directly. Too dangerous for the host.
Note: Requires purification.
So I can use my power to purify it? After channeling my energy, the color remained black, but at least the foul smell had vanished. When I cracked it open, the inside was a surprising white with multiple black seeds. I took a cautious bite.
"Mmm, it tastes like watermelon—so sweet," I murmured. But then, an overwhelming rush of energy surged through me. The exhaustion I'd been carrying melted away. After finishing half the fruit, I stored the rest in the space and began harvesting the remaining fruits, purifying each one as I went. I knew I'd need these later.
As I climbed the tree, my long hair started getting in the way, irritating me. I rummaged around and finally found a scrunchie. With a quick move, I tied my hair up in a ponytail and got back to harvesting. Time seemed to slip away, and before I knew it, dusk had fallen. The darkening sky screamed danger.
The system's mission... I really didn't want to fail it. And I definitely didn't want to find out what penalties awaited me if I didn't succeed.
As I hurried along, searching for a good place, a sudden 'ding' echoed in my head. I checked the system, and to my surprise, it said the "Finding the Right Shelter" mission was completed. Bewildered, I hadn't even entered any house yet. Looking around more carefully, I realized I was in a villa district, and I was standing right next to the front door of one of the villas.
"So, you're saying this is the perfect shelter?" I muttered to myself.
The door was locked, but interestingly, there was power. The identification screen by the door was on, glowing faintly in the evening light. It seemed like the villa still had electricity running, which made it all the more intriguing.
"So it's running on solar electricity... but since it's locked, how am I supposed to get inside? Climb?" I looked up at the 2-meter-high walls.
Thirty minutes later, after struggling to scale the wall, I finally made it over, panting heavily. This body is way too delicate. A little effort, and I'm already out of breath. That's when I remembered the half of the fruit I hadn't finished. I took it out, quickly ate the rest, and immediately felt the strength return to my legs.
With renewed energy, I straightened up, feeling more capable to face whatever lay ahead inside the villa.
The villa was breathtaking, like something straight out of a movie. Four stories tall, with a grand hall that could easily host a lavish event. There were 14 rooms in total, 3 kitchens, and even 3 swimming pools—2 outside, and 1 in the basement styled in an elegant Arabic design, complete with a spa. There was also a sports room for fitness. The electricity was still working, which made everything even more surreal.
I chose the largest room on the second floor, which had a beautiful view of the garden. The room came with a spacious bathroom, perfect for the long, relaxing bath I'd been dreaming of. But before settling in, I knew I needed to check the kitchens, especially the fridge, and the basement too. There was even a garage, though I hadn't explored it yet.
As I stood there, admiring the villa's spotless condition, I couldn't help but feel the contrast. This place was pristine, with not a speck of dust, completely out of place in this ruined city. It looked like it had been preserved, untouched by the chaos outside. Was this villa really abandoned?
Ding
A message popped up ,more like updated information:
Gifts:
Space (Access limited)
Survival Manual
Clothes
Phone (Access Denied)
Map
House
*******
*******
*******
Wait... this house is a gift?
It's mine?
I won't lie, this is the best present ever. I've always dreamed of owning a house this big. But if it's mine, why didn't the door open for me earlier?
Ding
Another message appeared:You didn't knock.
"..."
I stared at the screen in disbelief, at a complete loss for words.
Hello survivors,
This is a new chapter! I hope you're enjoying it. I know this book has a tiny audience right now, so thank you for your support anyway.
YOU ARE READING
Echoes of a Lost World
FantasyA simple story turned Adam's life upside down. Who would have thought that his curiosity about a character who shared his name would lead to his transmigration into that very character's world? And not just any world-an apocalyptic one, where danger...
