“Survivor Thomas Smyth, confirm hideout relocation to this location?”
“Yes.”
The hideout vibrated and hummed, as if being dragged underground. Less than a minute later, a mechanical voice announced, “Hideout relocation complete.”
Thomas approached the security door on the first level. The virtual map showed the station deserted. He opened the door without issue. Stepping onto the tracks connecting the east and west platforms, he grinned. “It actually worked!” His gamble had paid off.
His hideout was now concealed behind the wall near the tunnel entrance, opposite the passenger platform. Closing the door, he examined the wall. A faint ripple masked the entrance, leaving only the aged, weathered surface. The wall stretched for over a hundred meters in either direction. No one would suspect a hideout lay hidden within.
Back inside, the regional and world channels buzzed with activity. Survivors discussed new hideout locations and the challenges of the merged world. Ben Walker messaged him.
[Ben Walker: Legend Smyth, after the merge, I’m reporting to our base city’s seed group. Want to join?]
[Thomas Smyth: I’m not part of your group. Can I even join?]
[Ben Walker: Probably. I can vouch for you. We were told to recruit exceptional survivors.]
Thomas was noncommittal. He valued self-reliance above organizational ties. He preferred to assess the situation before making commitments. Besides, he had Super Monopoly. He politely declined Ben’s offer and ended the conversation.
He turned his attention to the Super Monopoly panel, which had gone dark at midnight, displaying only a slowly progressing bar. The beta version was updating. It seemed the update would coincide with the world merge, completing around 8 AM.
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Thomas gathered the crafted items, replenished his low-tier crafting materials, propagated his Breathing Pothos, and rearranged the plants. With preparations complete, he retired to his living quarters on the third level.
He awoke at 7:50 AM, quickly washed up, ate a light breakfast, and equipped his gear. As he reached the first level, it struck 8 AM.
“Welcome, survivor Thomas Smyth, to the Apocalypse Game world. Explore at your own discretion.”
“Detected 1 World Legend Point for survivor Thomas Smyth. +1 Luck.”
Silence followed. After a few seconds, Thomas muttered, “That’s it?” Apart from the World Legend Point notification, there was only a generic welcome message.
He checked the virtual map. His jaw dropped. “Holy…”
The crude line drawing had transformed into a detailed 3D model, displaying the station’s layout and contents with stunning clarity. Items were highlighted in different colors: gray for low-tier, white for common, and blue for rare. The player markers were now dynamic avatars, displaying movements, expressions, equipment, and even facial wrinkles.
Two squads of ten armed personnel patrolled the station. They wore full tactical gear, including headsets and goggles, and carried heavily modified weapons. Each soldier had at least one or two tactical attachments, while the squad leaders, armed with designated marksman rifles, sported laser sights, scopes, and muzzle brakes. Each squad consisted of a designated marksman (leader), two assault riflemen, a communications specialist, and a machine gunner.
Thomas gaped at their equipment and coordination. “Holy shit… how am I supposed to deal with this?” He’d expected a difficulty spike, but this was extreme. He doubted they were refugees.
They weren’t the only life forms in the station. Beneath the platform, a pangolin-like humanoid huddled, likely another newcomer, nervously watching the ceiling.
In the western tunnel, leading towards the Crimson Cabaret, a six-limbed, octopus-like creature occupied a 40-square-meter hideout space, two tentacles supporting its body while the others manipulated something in the air. A real-life tentacle monster. It appeared to be checking its panel or communicating.
Having assessed the situation, Thomas opened his panel. He was curious about the updated Super Monopoly. As he opened it, several messages appeared.