Chapter 18: Snowstorm

Because all the bags were currently full of items, Alan instructed Luis to carefully carry the remaining items from Sam's bag in his arms.

[3 x Canned Meat]

[2 x Canned Fruit]

[1 x Bottle of Water]

Previously, Sam's bag had contained a total of 16 cans of food, but now, most of them were gone, and only a third of the original amount remained. This was an intentional game mechanic designed to simulate the reality of scavenging in a post-apocalyptic world. When a player died, only some of their items could be collected by other players, adding an element of unpredictability and limited resources to the game.

After the looting was complete, Alan approached the unconscious man lying on the ground and began to examine his equipped items. He carefully removed the hunting knife from the man's grasp, taking note of its attributes and ratings.

[Name: Hunting Knife]

[Type: Sword Weapon]

[Rarity: Common]

[Attributes: Damage 14-16]

[Effects: None]

[Equipment Rating: 14]

[Able to Bring Outside the Game: No]

Remarks: Watch out, it's sharp!]

Alan then turned his attention to the man's clothing, spotting a jumper that could provide some warmth and protection against the cold. He gently removed it, making sure not to disturb the man's unconscious state.

[Name: Jumper]

[Type: Clothing]

[Rarity: Common]

[Attributes: Defense +2]

[Effects: Minor Cold Resistance]

[Equipment Rating: 8]

[Able to Bring Outside the Game: No]

[Remarks: Makes you stand out, but at least you'll be warm!]

Luis watched with anticipation as Alan finished looting and collecting the items. With a cheeky smile, he approached Alan, trying to negotiate for a share of the loot.

"My man, these items look super fine. Anything you can spare for me... Ahem, I mean, for us?" Luis asked playfully, his eyes glinting with hope.

While Alan had no issue with sharing, he decided to keep the [Hunting Knife] for himself without sparking a discussion. Only after that did he allow the others to choose one item each.

At first, Vicky was considering taking the jumper, but seeing how much Luis disliked the cold weather, he swiftly claimed the jacket, leaving Vikcky and Milo to make their choices. Vicky gave Milo a knowing look, silently prompting him to choose between the two weapons. As Milo showed no preference, Vicky opted for the [Metal Bat], while the [Lead Pipe] automatically went to Milo.

With the looting complete, Alan's attention turned to the surrounding area. He spotted a discarded pile of wires in a nearby rubbish bin. Realizing their potential usefulness, he swiftly retrieved them, coiling and securing them together to create a makeshift rope.

Alan approached the unconscious man, now bound with the makeshift rope. He called upon Milo and instructed him to carry the incapacitated man away.

With the immediate tasks at hand completed, Vicky broke the silence with a practical question, "Are we going back to the library now?"

Alan shook his head, a determined expression on his face. "No, we still have one more place to go."

Curiosity tinged with a sense of anticipation filled the group as they traversed the snow-filled streets, keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings. After walking for several blocks through the deep snow, they finally arrived at their destination—an imposing ten-story apartment building. The presence of numerous civilians and players in the vicinity indicated that this was a gathering point during such harsh weather conditions.

Alan checked his Gamelink and noted the countdown displayed on the screen.

[5 hours. 0 minutes]

"Right on time," Alan murmured softly to himself, a mixture of relief and determination evident in his voice.

Vicky, intrigued by Alan's comment, cast her gaze around, searching for any significant clues or landmarks. However, apart from the apartment building before them, there appeared to be nothing extraordinary in the vicinity.

Just as Vicky was about to voice her confusion, she felt a sudden drop in temperature, and the skies above darkened with heavy clouds. Snowflakes began to descend rapidly, almost resembling a blizzard in intensity. A warning notification materialized before them, sending shivers down their spines.

[Warning: The Snowstorm Turns Heavy. The Temperature Will Drop]

The gravity of the situation immediately sank in as the heavy snowfall intensified, threatening to engulf them in its icy grip. Another notification followed, intensifying their anxiety.

[You Received Status: Cold Level Three]

[Stamina Regeneration Drops 50%]

Vicky's panic escalated as she realized the implications of her lower overall stats. Her debuff status had escalated to level 4, resulting in a 75% decrease in stamina regeneration and a 30% reduction in movement speed. The bone-chilling cold seemed to seep into her very being, numbing her limbs and making even simple movements a struggle.

In contrast, Luis wore a smile of satisfaction, grateful for the warmth provided by his newly acquired jumper. His status remained at level 3, mirroring Alan's own resistance to the cold.

Alan turned his gaze to Milo, silently questioning his condition. Milo raised two fingers in response—a testament to his impressive resilience.

"Level two,"

A gasp escaped Vicky's lips upon hearing Milo's resistance level, while Alan raised an impressed eyebrow.

The astonishing endurance displayed by Milo piqued Alan's curiosity, but he immediately prioritized the well-being of the group. Observing Vicky's pale complexion and sluggish movements, he made a quick decision to seek shelter in the apartment building.

Recognizing the need for warmth and protection, Alan led the group through the building's entrance. As they closed the door behind them, a surge of relief washed over them as the temperature inside rose significantly. Their cold status gradually decreased by one level, bringing a much-needed respite to Vicky's frigid body.

Vicky's shivering subsided, and she took a deep breath, savoring the newfound warmth. Breaking the silence, she voiced her curiosity and confusion, "What are we doing here, Alan?"

Alan wore a determined expression as he gestured for the group to follow him. He confidently ascended the stairs, his footsteps echoing in the empty building. The others followed suit, their curiosity piqued by Alan's cryptic words and purposeful stride.

There was not one single soul in this place, just like when Alan came to hide in this place last time he was playing this Apocalypse game round.

When the second stage of the snowstorm arrived, those with low endurance would end up taking refuge within any building. Hence, if they still did not have a buffed item like the one Luis was having, there was a high chance they would be stuck in one place for the next 5 hours.

The last time Alan was here, he had taken some time to check the whole building floors. He was fortunate to find a fashion photography studio with a massive wardrobe, enough to take up half the floor.

Excitement and anticipation filled the air. Finally, the purpose behind their journey would be revealed.

However, just as they were about to embark on their salvaging mission, a distinct cracking sound echoed through the stairwell, shattering the tranquility of the moment.

"Someone's here!" a voice exclaimed, sending a ripple of anxiety through Vicky and Luis.

Alan, calm and composed, approached the stairs, his heartbeat steady. As soon as he laid eyes on the figure ascending the steps, relief washed over him like a tidal wave.

It was a young man, someone he recognized. A glimmer of familiarity sparkled in his eyes as he locked gazes with Alan.

"Mr. D! Thank God you're here!" the young man exclaimed, his voice filled with both gratitude and urgency.