Flickering across the computer screen, Thomas watched a series of test subjects strapped to operating tables or confined within labs. Unknown organs were implanted, mysterious serums injected. Mutations followed swiftly. Some subjects ripped through their skin, revealing raw, crimson muscle. Others sprouted grotesque biological augmentations: fish scales, gills, bat wings, serpentine eyes and flickering tongues. In some labs, uncontrolled physical enhancements took place. A man of average height, injected with a particular serum, ballooned into a two-meter-tall behemoth, muscles bulging. A casual punch left a deep dent in the lab's special alloy wall. High-voltage currents crackled, subduing the transformed man. Security personnel swarmed in, followed by white-coated scientists, masked and ready to analyze the results.
The rapidly flashing images culminated in an aerial view of a city, zooming in on a press conference. A middle-aged man wearing a CBS Laboratories ID badge beamed at the camera. "CBS Laboratories is pleased to announce a significant breakthrough in human genetic enhancement," he declared. "These three serums, each with distinct functionalities, have been officially designated [Oceanborn], [Nyx—"
Before he could finish, a blazing fireball plummeted from the sky, hurtling towards the camera.
Boom…
The screen went black. A 3D schematic of a laboratory replaced the chaotic scene. Lines of text appeared below:
Mission Name: [CBS Laboratories]
Activation Time: 75 hours, 32 minutes, 25 seconds
Entry Requirements: Laboratory Access Keycard x1
Participant Limit: 20
Occupying Force: Rebels
Potential Rewards: Rare serums, rare medical supplies, rare intel, rare serum formulas, rare medical supply formulas, rare intel synthesis formulas, laboratory keycards, valuables, high-grade supplies, weapons, armor, ammunition, throwing weapons. 0.05% chance of Epic items, 0.0001% chance of Unknown items.
Thomas gaped at the information. "The lab!" he breathed, staring at the countdown timer. He quickly calculated the activation time: noon, three days from now. He recalled Ben's message about the Apocalypse Game periodically releasing missions with rare rewards. Could this be it?
If so… Thomas knew better than anyone the potential of CBS Laboratories. The [Oceanborn] serum was just the tip of the iceberg. Even the byproducts had created terrifyingly powerful Cultists, not to mention Ghostface.
Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
He rapidly connected the dots, formulating a plan. Switching back to the [Flea Market] interface, he turned to Tessia.
"Tessia, this is your new battleground. Familiarize yourself with the interface. I'll prepare the initial inventory. We go live at noon."
"We'll focus on high-grade medical supplies, valuables, premium food and drinks, and enhanced firearms. Transactions are conducted in Apocalypse Coins and Calamity Coins. You were a survivor, so you understand the value of these things. Set the prices accordingly."
"We'll also buy low-tier medical supplies, food, drinks, electronic components, damaged weapons, and so on. We need appropriate buy prices for those too."
"Our goal is simple: From the moment the [Flea Market] opens, everyone who connects needs to know we exist and accept our pricing. We set the standard. We control the market."
"We need to get survivor resources and currency circulating. A flowing market is a thriving market."
"Eight Lop has the detailed data on high-grade supplies. Ask him."
Tessia considered this. "But, boss, to control the market, we need compelling inventory. Nothing too common…"
"Don't worry," Thomas assured her. "The high-grade medical supplies, valuables, and premium food are all relatively rare. As for the modified firearms, I'll get those ready now."
Tessia's eyes lit up. She nodded decisively. They swapped places. She was quick to grasp the system; a brief explanation was all she needed.
As Thomas turned to leave, the [Intelligence Center] computer flashed a warning: Non-Hideout Survivor Operation Detected. Authorization Required.
Surprised by the security feature, Thomas quickly granted Tessia access to the [Flea Market] operations. Her trust level was already at [Trusted].
He went to freshen up, then descended to the basement, where the statue of Lord Guan stood. He performed his daily ritual of lighting incense and offering a prayer. "Lord Guan, your humble servant Thomas offers his respects. Bless me with good fortune and prosperity."
He opened the Super Monopoly interface. His daily wealth points from his properties had arrived. Thanks to the Sparrow City Library, he'd earned 703 WP, adding to the 619 remaining from yesterday for a total of 1322 WP.
He rolled the die. It stopped on [3]. His eyes scanned the map, landing on a square marked with a gift box. A gift square! The last time he'd landed on one, he'd received [The Breathing Pothos]. What would it be this time?
Mini-Thomas landed on the square. A gift box materialized, opening to reveal its contents.
"Congratulations, Survivor! You have received: [The Tamer's Whip]"
Thomas examined the whip, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. He stored it in his inventory and headed to the weapon modification workshop.
"Eight Lop!"
Eight Lop appeared instantly. "Yes, Mr. Boss?"
"Get me a crate each of assault rifles, SMGs, AKs, and pistols. Quickly!"
Eight Lop's eyes gleamed. "Right away, Mr. Boss!"