Apocalypse Survival: Starting with a Shelter

At that moment, a drop of rain landed on Su Wu's face, sending a chill through his skin.

Looking up at the darkening sky, Su Wu furrowed his brow, realizing he had overlooked something.

"I need to build a rain cover for the generator. And I should raise the base of the cement storage shed and improve its drainage."

Although the geothermal generator had some waterproofing, the likelihood of a malfunction increased significantly in heavy rain. A rain cover was essential. Cement was even more sensitive—exposure to water could render it useless.

For Su Wu, tasks like these were now straightforward. A single command set the engineering robot in motion. It began sorting through the scrap metal piles in the yard, using its precision tools—a high-frequency cutter and a laser emitter capable of melting and reshaping metal—to construct the framework for a rain cover.

By late night, the accumulated clouds finally unleashed a torrential downpour.

Su Wu retreated to his second-floor bedroom, gazing out the window at the yard. Under the makeshift rain cover, the geothermal generator remained well-lit, its row of green power indicators glowing steadily, instilling a sense of security.

Next to the generator, the engineering robot worked tirelessly, as planned. Its task was to construct a small excavator and a transport vehicle, forming a basic construction fleet to excavate an underground space large enough to house a small shelter.

"The progress is faster than expected," Su Wu mused. "Once they're built, I'll consider selling a few, depending on how many survival points the upgrades require."

He glanced at the nearly complete tracks and chassis being assembled by the robot. Estimating the materials and production time, he felt the idea was feasible and couldn't help but get excited.

It wasn't about greed but the sheer potential profit.

A small excavator typically cost around 30,000 yuan in the past. After Su Wu transmigrated, prices had skyrocketed fiftyfold. Acquiring one now would cost at least two million yuan, assuming one could even find one for sale.

The massive price difference meant that selling just two machines could multiply Su Wu's resource reserves several times over, elevating him to a position of wealth in the apocalypse.

Of course, selling them was merely a tentative plan for now. With the shadow of doomsday looming, the shelter remained Su Wu's top priority. Any trade would have to wait until its construction was far enough along to ensure his safety. He had no intention of jeopardizing his preparations for quick profits.

After watching the robot's work for a while and confirming there was nothing for him to do, Su Wu turned his attention back to his laptop to browse the news.

Mainstream media outlets continued reporting trivial stories as usual. However, independent platforms occasionally mentioned the recent tightening of market regulations. Since the prices of everyday essentials like rice and cooking oil hadn't changed significantly, most people remained indifferent, and these stories gained little traction.

"Rumors suggest that all toy factories in the Eastern Continent have ceased operations, and factory workers have been requisitioned by the government for construction projects."

This headline caught Su Wu's attention. He clicked on it, only to find the article had been taken down.

"Here we go again."

Su Wu shook his head in frustration. The federal government of this world had far stricter internet controls than his previous one. Anything the government wanted to keep hidden, no matter how impactful or widespread, was scrubbed from public view. At most, vague rumors might circulate in private chat groups, but the sheer volume of baseless speculation made it nearly impossible for ordinary people to discern truth from fiction.

If not for the Apocalypse Survival System, Su Wu might still be oblivious to the impending catastrophe, living comfortably in a web of false information.

The article's removal hinted at its potential authenticity. Su Wu carefully recalled the headline, and his mood grew heavier.

The shutdown of toy factories might seem trivial, but it was a clear sign of severe strain on societal operations. Resources and manpower could no longer be spared for non-essential industries. This suggested that full-scale resource control was only a step away from being officially declared.

"If this continues, bartering may become the only way to trade in the future."

The thought of the bleak conditions ahead weighed on Su Wu, though he found some comfort in his preparations. His money was nearly spent, and while his stockpile of resources wasn't vast, it was sufficient for three to five years of personal use.

With the survival system's near-magical ability to create items, Su Wu believed he could achieve self-sufficiency long before his supplies ran out.

---

In the early hours of the morning, a new day began, and the system panel displayed the day's earnings.

[Survival Points Calculation for the Day]

- Survived one day: +1 Survival Point.

- Successfully built a geothermal generator, slightly increasing survival ability: +3 Survival Points.

- Acquired the first personal power plant, marking the beginning of the industrial age: +25 Survival Points.

[Current Survival Points: 34.]

"Survival points are accumulating quickly now."

Even after completing the significant project of installing the geothermal generator, Su Wu still had over 30 points left. For the first time in weeks, he felt truly at ease. These survival points were his lifeline, a guarantee of security for the future.

---

The next morning, bright sunlight broke through the clouds, spilling into Su Wu's bedroom.

After getting up and washing, Su Wu went outside to inspect the yard. The engineering robot had completed the small excavator and made significant progress on the transport vehicle.

Focusing on the small excavator, Su Wu activated its upgrade panel.

[Incomplete Small Excavator]

Compatibility: 90%.

Evaluation: Aside from minor flaws in power and materials, its craftsmanship is impeccable.**

Upgrade Options:

- Diesel-Powered Small Excavator (2 Survival Points)

- Battery-Powered Small Excavator (5 Survival Points)

- Autonomous Small Excavator (7 Survival Points)

Su Wu stud

ied the options carefully, considering which upgrade would best align with his plans.