Jason posted his E-Rank attribute orbs in the group chat, offering to trade for blueprints, requesting private messages. Within moments, dozens of people messaged him. Everyone craved attribute orbs; he had a ready market.

He checked the messages. Most wanted to trade food, water, or Escape Coins. He ignored them. Only three offered blueprints: a wooden spear blueprint, a wooden bucket blueprint, and a vehicle front bumper blueprint.

Given the current scarcity, the fact anyone was offering blueprints was a testament to the orbs’ value.

The bumper blueprint was the most valuable. He traded an orb for it.

[Vehicle Front Bumper]: 1-Star vehicle equipment. Increases impact resistance.

Blueprint Uses: 1

Crafting Cost: 100 Escape Coins.

He was satisfied, but the cost was prohibitive. Nobody had 100 Escape Coins. That's likely why he could trade an orb for it.

He traded another orb for the spear blueprint.

[Wooden Spear]: 0-Star equipment.

Blueprint Uses: 1

Crafting Cost: 5 Escape Coins.

Wooden spears were common early-game equipment, selling for 10-15 Escape Coins. Jason could craft unlimited spears with his blueprint. He could make a profit, but everyone was currently poor. He’d sell them later, when people had more Escape Coins.

He didn’t trade for the bucket blueprint; it wasn't worth it.

He stored the blueprints, looking at Chloe sleeping. She’d left scratches and bite marks on him. She probably hated him. Should he watch out for her? He was worried she might kill him in his sleep. He hadn't felt anything for her; he'd only taken her to gain Favor Points. If she became a threat, he’d eliminate her without hesitation. Otherwise, he didn't mind her presence.

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He covered Chloe with a blanket and returned to the driver's seat. It was time to find supplies.

Vroom—the RV started moving along the highway. Jason focused on the wasteland beside the road.

After driving for ten miles, he found his first chest—a wooden crate on the roadside. He got out.

"A basic wooden chest." Chests were ranked; wooden chests were the lowest tier.

He didn't approach it immediately. He observed his surroundings, picked up a stone, and threw it at the chest.

Thump! The stone hit, a shadow darted away—a snake. It was the chest's guardian. A careless approach could have been fatal. Jason, knowing this, had tested with the stone.

Seeing no other threats, he cautiously approached and opened the chest, finding two energy bars, a bottle of water, and five Escape Coins.

He returned to the RV, eating and drinking; he was starving and thirsty. He finished an energy bar and most of the water quickly.

Feeling better, he continued his search. Ten miles later, he found another wooden chest. This time, a gray wolf was guarding it. It stood, growling, displaying its fangs.

Jason frowned. This was tougher than the snake; throwing a rock wouldn't work. He’d have to fight.

He crushed his remaining two E-Rank attribute orbs, the light merging into his body. He enhanced his Speed.

Name: Jason Williams

Strength: E-Rank

Speed: E-Rank

Constitution: E-Rank

Spirit: E-Rank

Skills: None

Escape Coins: 5

Overall Assessment: E-Rank

His speed and overall assessment were now E-Rank. He used his five Escape Coins to craft a spear—a seven-foot-long pole with a sharpened stone point. Spears were common early-game weapons, offering superior range against animals.

He tested the spear's feel, then approached the wolf. The wolf couldn't cross the road, but would attack if Jason left the highway.

He held the spear, pointed at the wolf, and stepped off the road. He anticipated a fierce attack but didn’t want to engage directly.

The wolf hesitated, backing off. Jason slowly advanced, using the chest as cover. The wolf suddenly lunged.

Jason retreated, stabbing with his spear. His enhanced speed prevented the wolf from closing in. He stabbed; blood sprayed, but the spear wasn't sharp enough to cause significant damage.

The injured wolf attacked again. Jason wasn't worried; he'd seen worse. He retreated, continuously stabbing, causing damage but not killing it. He used varied retreats (left, center, right), preventing the wolf from closing the distance. The wolf was soon battered and bruised.