"[Harrison Liu]: New Lops arriving! Want a loyal companion? [Picture of prairie wolf pups] These pups will grow into powerful protectors. Just 2 Graphics Cards or 1 Calamity Coin.”
“[Nigel Wang]: Step right up! Complete land warfare gear, AK series, M series firearms, even Desert Eagles for those who appreciate the classics. Body armor and helmets also available. Reasonable prices, deals galore!”
“[Chelsea Feng]: Comprehensive Apocalypse Game guide! Survive the second disaster with ease. All-inclusive guidance, 24/7 support, a home away from home feeling. Yours for only 200,000 Apocalypse Coins.”
“[Juliet Ma]: Comprehensive psychological counseling and support. Personalized sessions tailored to your preferences. Loli, milf, mature, girl next door, CEO, twink… Day or night, relieve apocalypse stress and enjoy the good life. Special rates available, inquire within!”
Thomas’s lips twitched as he scrolled through the chat. “Wow… these veteran survivors are… resourceful,” he muttered.
He watched as they hawked weapons, armor, valuables, and various euphemistically-phrased personal services, hoping to capitalize on the newcomers’ arrival and trade for their high-value items at bargain prices. They hadn’t anticipated, however, just how resource-poor this batch of newcomers was. Many claimed their valuables had already been traded… mostly to “Thomas” or “Legend Smyth.”
The veterans, instead of finding easy pickings, were being bombarded with offers of Nourishing Mutton Stew.
“[Howie Wang]: Seriously, folks, this mutton stew from Legend Smyth is amazing! You won’t regret it! Guaranteed authentic, honest deal, perfect for your apocalyptic travels.”
“[Howie Wang]: Check out this food effect: ‘Invigorated’! Perfect for… nighttime activities! ;)”
“[Howie Wang]: Hey, are you in the frigid zone? This stew is perfect for you! Limited quantities available. Just a few rare blueprints and it’s yours!”
Thomas stared at Howie’s enthusiastic sales pitch in the Race Channel, dumbfounded. He’d never realized Howie had such a gift for gab.
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Amidst the chatter, a few names caught Thomas’s eye.
“[Sandy]: Thomas Smyth is a scumbag, a liar! He’s brainwashed everyone.”
“[Dash Strong]: Thomas is nothing! A broke nobody. Legend Smyth? If he’s a legend, I’m his father!”
He saw Sandy, Dash, and Liam Brightman stirring up trouble in the chat. Thomas’s jaw tightened. This was getting annoying.
He opened a private message with Howie.
“[Thomas]: Need a favor.”
Howie, ever the online social butterfly, replied instantly.
“[Howie]: Anything for you, Legend Smyth!”
“[Thomas]: You have connections, right? See Sandy, Dash Strong, and Liam Brightman in the Race Channel? Find out where they are, what region, specific location if possible.”
“[Howie]: Those guys? I’ve got my eye on them too. Consider it done.”
“[Thomas]: Don’t let them get suspicious. If you need resources, let me know.”
“[Howie]: No problem!”
Now it was just a matter of waiting. Thomas checked the World and Regional channels. As expected, they had changed. They were no longer exclusive to Earth survivors but included everyone in the Apocalypse Game. Upon entering the World Channel, he was greeted by two different species exchanging colorful insults about each other's ancestry. Apparently, interspecies communication still involved the time-honored tradition of questioning one's parentage.
The Regional channel, now encompassing the entire Sparrow City, had ballooned to 200,000 members. The atmosphere was relatively civil, though veteran survivors were still trying to barter with newcomers.
Another message from Ben arrived.
“[Ben]: Legend Smyth, can I tell the organization’s leadership about the flood?”
Thomas considered this for a moment, then replied.
“[Thomas]: Yes, but don’t mention me. I don’t want too much attention from powerful factions.”
He’d agreed for two reasons. First, his preparations were almost complete, so there was little point in keeping it secret. He wouldn't have told Ben and Howie in the first place if he wanted complete secrecy. Second, Ben asking for permission showed he was still trustworthy. If this information could elevate Ben's standing within the organization, it could benefit Thomas in the long run, potentially granting him access to valuable intelligence.
As for Ben's future loyalty… Thomas knew people changed. He couldn't expect Ben to remain independent. Whether those changes would be beneficial or detrimental remained to be seen. He sighed. Human nature was fickle. He had the Virtual Map to assess people's intentions. If Ben remained friendly, all was well. But if he turned hostile… Thomas’s eyes narrowed. He hoped it wouldn’t come to that. He liked Ben.
Just as Thomas finished posting requests for the Small Elevator and Automated Sorting Warehouse materials in the Race and Regional channels, he heard Eight Lop scream from upstairs. He rushed to the shooting range on the first basement level. Seeing the situation, he breathed a sigh of relief, then chuckled.