'Mutation Card No. 0? What's that? I thought we were supposed to collect Nos. 1-10?'

Lin Ye didn't rush to exchange it immediately. He spent another hour staring at the computer before finally admitting he couldn't understand it and chose to exchange for Mutation Card No. 0.

[Mutation Card No. 0]

[This is a special mutation card]

[Note: Collecting cards 1-10 will bring a special surprise]

'I thought the system description might have some clues. Shouldn't have exchanged so hastily.'

Lin Ye found himself missing the puzzle games that came pre-installed on his laptop. He'd spent over fifty minutes playing them earlier - quite entertaining.

Turning his attention back to the system, Lin Ye noticed two remaining notifications.

[Dr. Caroline's Gift]

[This is Dr. Caroline's heartfelt gratitude to her lifesaver. Please use it wisely]

[Note: As a young woman, she agonized over this gift choice for a long time]

The gift from Dr. Caroline was a long present box about the size of a shoebox, currently placed in the center of the shelter. Lin Ye untied the intricate pink ribbon and lifted the lid.

Inside lay an exquisitely crafted silver pistol. It was called a pistol because it only had a grip, but its barrel was unusually long for a handgun, almost approaching the length of a compact submachine gun.

[CL0 Spiritual Energy Pistol]

[This new energy weapon was developed with Dr. Caroline's participation. After loading with flesh, the pistol automatically absorbs ambient spiritual energy to form mutated bullets]

[Note: Mom never has to worry about me running out of ammo again]

Lin Ye was extremely satisfied with this gift. The CL0's magazine was actually a flesh extractor - just place it against a corpse to automatically extract flesh essence. Additionally, Lin Ye discovered a detachable compartment in the grip containing a semi-transparent crystal.

[First-tier Spiritual Energy Crystal]

[Provides spiritual energy to equipment]

[Note: Energy - the real hard currency]

"Damn, no need for bullets but now I need spiritual energy crystals? Feels even more expensive."

'Good thing I have the first-tier spiritual energy crystal blueprint.'

After playing with the pistol for a while, Lin Ye checked the final system notification.

[All or Nothing]

[Going all-in is an art form. Even the most reckless gamblers would marvel at your audacity. Struggle desperately before despair arrives]

[Note: You think I'm joking with you?]

'If this weren't a simulation, would I really have shot Dr. Caroline?'

This thought crossed Lin Ye's mind as he looked at the title.

After eating half an energy bar and watering the Abyssal Egg with some hot water, Lin Ye returned to studying the patchwork humanoid mural - this time intermittently wearing the Cross Necklace. This approach both enhanced his perception and helped him acclimate to the supernatural senses the necklace provided.

He'd also tried wearing the Spiritual Energy Ring, but the shelter contained no detectable spiritual energy - likely related to its 'absolute safety' property. Since spiritual energy could cause biological mutations, long-term exposure might not be beneficial.

Time flew when focused on a task, and before he knew it, the next Nighttime Activity was approaching. Many newcomers in the group chat had decided to participate tonight, since only the first three days guaranteed shelter upgrade blueprints from treasure chests. Nobody knew the drop rates after that - any sane person who wanted to survive wouldn't miss this opportunity.

Just then, cheerful music suddenly played from the radio by his bed.

"Welcome to City Voice Radio. We now interrupt with a prize quiz segment. I'm your favorite announcer, Miss Y."

"Mr. Lin from Apartment 304 in the Doomsday Complex - can you guess what tonight's Nighttime Activity will be?"

"A. Maze Exploration B. Carnival Feast C. War Frontline D. Station Mission"

'...No way.'

Lin Ye felt a deep sense of malice. He hadn't expected the system to change missions on the third day.

This was essentially a test of choice.

Those who participated on the first day were the brave - taking risks to gain progress and rewards.

Those who chose the second day were the wise - securing safe exploration opportunities.

Those waiting until the third day were the weak - making their last stand.

Anyone not participating by the third day would likely become the dead.

No one deserved a fourth chance.

Lin Ye suddenly had a strong premonition - after these three days, shelter upgrade blueprints would become extremely rare. This Nighttime Activity might be the final opportunity.

"I choose D."

Lin Ye liked the number 4 - his lucky number.

"Correct answer! Prize has been sent. Please check your inventory."

Lin Ye opened the communication interface and sent a message:

[Lin Ye]: Just got word - tonight's activity changes to Station Mission. After today, shelter upgrade blueprints will become extremely rare. (Don't ask what Station Mission is - I don't know either.)

Truthfully, Lin Ye wasn't certain about his prediction, but he decided to stake his reputation on this message. He could have worded it less definitively, but compromise wasn't in his nature - all or nothing, with no middle ground.

"What? Big bro, that's not funny."

"Seriously? I've prepped for maze exploration for two days! Even got a red key!"

"We'll know soon enough if it's a joke. The boss has never given false info before."

"Then we're screwed? I've never even killed a chicken! Was just planning to sneak into locked rooms for chests."

"So exciting! Maze exploration was getting boring anyway."

"Looking to buy nutrient solution and mutation cards! Name your price!"

"The system notification hasn't appeared yet. Aren't you afraid of being scammed?"

"Like the boss has time to scam you? By the time the notification comes, it'll be too late!"

...

The quiz prize was a key.

[Master Key]

[Can open certain doors (1/1)]

[Note: Not quite as masterful as advertised]

Lin Ye's private messages were about to explode again. He replied to a few acquaintances before starting to pack his gear.

[Nighttime Activity Starting]

[Tonight's Activity: Station Mission]

[Will you participate?]

"Participate."

[09:59]

"Damn, the boss was right again."

"We're screwed. Totally dead."

"Not participating means certain death."

"If it's come to this, might as well go all out!"

"You think the boss could be wrong? Maybe tomorrow it reverts to maze exploration with unchanged blueprint drop rates?"

"What do you want me to say? I'll say anything - I already got my blueprint."

"Ouch, bro."

"Station Mission - does that mean going to train stations?"

"Hard to say. Stations aren't just transportation hubs."

"Boss? Goose Leg Guy? Any analysis?"

"The boss already said he doesn't know! Why ask?"

"I'm so scared!"

...

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