Apocalypse: System of lotteries



Ming sat inside the car, lost in thought. The immediate task at hand was to prepare for the vast ocean ahead. Simply building walls wouldn't be enough; it's too passive. Taking the offensive might be the answer, but how do you fight the Naga sirens underwater?

How many of the survivors can combat underwater for over ten minutes? His own aquatic skills lasted merely thirty minutes. Water resistance during underwater combat was also a concern.

People who can run effortlessly on land might struggle in the water. The only solution now seems to be building ships or seeking higher ground. But could man-made vessels withstand the force of oceanic beasts?

An unconventional idea crossed Ming's mind: mutating oneself using marine organisms. But the idea seemed too extreme. Would all global survivors transform into merfolk? The very thought was monumental. Moreover, the fifth chapter wasn't complete. It only presented two concepts – the vast ocean and the frozen world.

Following the 'rules' of the game, it was plausible that both scenarios would be played out. First, the world would be submerged, followed by the frozen world era. Becoming merfolk then might pose challenges if they wished to return to land. After all, how would a fish-bodied creature traverse land? They certainly couldn't flop around like fish, could they?

The most concerning part was that Janice's fifth chapter didn't mention a 'time limit'. This ambiguity was troubling. Perhaps this fifth chapter marked the apocalypse's culmination, or maybe it signified the survivors' end.

["Your Napoleon puppet has activated a hidden mission, it is just a frog  then transferred to you."]

[Napoleon looked at Ming with innocent eyes. "Something just happened. Did you feel it?"]

"~~"

Taking a deep breath, Ming glanced out of the window at the vast zombie army. It doesn't make sense. He had clearly instructed the army to maintain formation and retrace their steps. They hadn't encountered any hidden tasks on the way in. Why? 

Could the rules be... once again... playing tricks?

"Congratulations, you've received a five-star hidden mission."

"I bet you've guessed. Yes, it was my doing. I confess I've cheated."

"All thanks to your teachings. What can I say? I possess a mind that loves to learn and advance."

"In 10 seconds, you'll be automatically transported."

"Heh."

Ming chuckled. "If you target me, then let's mutually wound, shall we?" He then attempted to access the world chat channel:

[Function Disabled]

"..."

[Countdown begins…]

[10…]

"..."

Ming stepped out of the car, patted its roof, and Kubo drove off alone. Now, it was time to see if your famed 'zombie luck' truly exists or not.

[1…]

With a hum, streaks of white light descended, and Ming, along with the zombie horde, vanished on the spot. Upon landing, a sea breeze brushed against his face.

Opening his eyes, Ming observed his surroundings, realizing he had landed on a familiar solitary island. It dawned on him that it was the very island where he genuinely got acquainted with Alan.

"Chat function is disabled."

"What about the others?"

Ming attempted to access his inventory:

[Function Disabled]

"Heh."

"Just as I expected."

Ming offered a wry smile, gazing towards the island's palm grove. Fresh coconuts were budding, ready for harvest soon. Yet, many of the trees had been submerged due to the rising sea levels.

[Your hidden mission is simple: A vacation.]

[You're aware of what the fifth chapter holds, yet your friends aren't by your side. Feels distressing, doesn't it?]

[A gentle reminder: This hidden mission carries no rewards, for you already possess an unlimited solo seaside vacation.]

[A gentle reminder: Hope your friends stay alive.]

[A gentle reminder: Of course, I'm not a heartless rule-maker. You may leave this place by any means of your choosing - whether by flight, boat or swim. Your call.]

[A gentle reminder: The nearest mainland from this island is quite far.]

[Goodbye.]

[By the way, you can always transform into a carefree fish.]

[Goodbye.]

"Heh."

Ming remained composed, allowing his young frogs to roam freely, and dispersing the zombie horde to different corners of the island. Once settled, he sat alone on the newly formed sandy beach, peacefully relishing the sea breeze and gazing up at the sky.

After a brief moment, Ming frowned. He remembered this island used to be inhabited by mutated seabirds. Where had they all gone now?

It seemed his idea of capturing a flock of giant mutated seabirds to form an 'airship' was temporarily dashed.

Building a boat? Ming surveyed the island. Aside from the palm trees, there were only patches of shrubs left.

"Palm trees?"

He shook his head. A vessel constructed from such material might be hard-pressed to withstand the assaults of the mutated sea creatures.

Perhaps, he mused, it was best to set that thought aside for now.

From beyond the waves, the distinct fin of a shark cut through the surface, darting left and right in the distance. Why build a ship from wood when one could harness a few hundred mutated great white sharks?

"Aircraft carrier of Great Whites!"

The idea electrified Ming as he sprang to his feet, intent on exploring this possibility.

…

In Zone 109, David and the others gathered around the car. After confirming that the zombie was indeed Kubo, they received a page from him, and a unique golden identity card that unmistakably belonged to their leader, Gutman. Only a select few could recognize this distinct design.

Hawkins inquired, "What's on that paper?"

Mike, with palpable concern, urged, "Is the boss in danger?"

"Patience," David said, looking around. "Let's head to the secret chamber ."

Moments later, the group sat in a circle, passing around the paper. Once they had read its contents, their expressions mirrored each other's – sheer astonishment.

Mike, scratching his head, said, "I believe what the boss said about the vast sea. But something feels... off. If something happened to him, why didn't he use the chat channel to inform us?"

Hawkins responded, "He must have been muted."

David pondered for a moment and stated, "Regardless, we need to verify this."

Alan, leaning back in his chair, pointed at the table and said, "After the boss spoke with Lusen last time, he headed to S city. Given that he sent the zombie back driving, it implies he's in trouble. Should we go there and check?"

"Agreed!"

Mike, with a sudden urge, slammed the table and got up. Then, turning back with a frown, he asked, "But how did the boss go? Which route did he take? We have no clue."

David, rubbing his chin, proposed, "Let Kubo drive."

...

Nightfall.

For Ming, the dark surroundings seemed as clear as day. He sat on a rock, rotating a metal skewer over a fire. A shark, skewered from head to tail, sizzled and dripped oils as it roasted. After hauling it ashore, Ming realized it was a common type, not a mutant. Thus, it wasn't suitable for the 'Shark Carrier' project. Fortunately, its edibility was undeniable.

While waiting for the shark to cook, Ming revisited the draft plan, missing the fifth chapter's page, hoping to spot any overlooked details. He'd sent only that page with Kubo back to David and the others, not wanting them to complicate matters. They just needed to be cautious about the content of the fifth chapter.

[Your Da Vinci, along with its siblings, are roaming the island. This is their third visit here. Da Vinci advises, "See those two zombies over there? They were killed by falling coconuts. Remember, never linger under a coconut tree, especially during windy or rainy conditions."]

[Your foodie turns its eyes and announces, "Guys, Ming has started cooking. Let's not wander around carelessly; it'll make him worried. We need to be more considerate."]

"~~"

Ming summoned his master chef, who was carrying an array of seasonings. From these, he selected the essence of barbecue—chili powder and cumin. 

He began to rub the shark evenly with these spices. Imagining sitting by the sea, consuming the spiced shark, he mused that foodie, if present, would undoubtedly salivate in envy.

[Your froglets, hopping along the beach ready for their meal, noticed a long-haired woman with the tail of a fish, stealthily crouching near the corals.]

[Da Vinci's eyes sparkled with intrigue. He thought zombies and human women might have wearied your aesthetic. This mermaid appeared rather refreshing, offering a change of taste.]

[Without hesitation, Da Vinci bounded over, employing his collectability, and succeeded in his endeavor.]