NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 4: The Record of Survival
[One month after the Black Mist Incident in New York, the Black Mist Tower incident has now struck Nanxiang City, China.]
[Based on previous communication losses from New York, I can confirm that the Southern Village area should now be sealed by a black mist barrier. However, from my current vantage point on lower ground and not being near the perimeter, I haven't observed any mist yet.]
[Power and water remain operational for now, but the internet and all communication channels are down.]
Lu Ming sipped his tea, his gaze steady as he watched the chaos outside. His pen moved swiftly, capturing each observation with methodical precision.
[Approximately three minutes after the tower's emergence, zombies appeared.]
[Based on my observations, the initial wave of mutated beings consists entirely of the elderly. Upon mutation, their physical capabilities improve dramatically, giving them the agility of trained athletes. Within a 100-meter radius, they can leap as far as 3 meters in a single jump.]
[Individuals bitten by these zombies will mutate as well. Note that a fatal bite is unnecessary. A single bite is enough to trigger the transformation, which occurs within ten seconds.]
Lu Ming paused, casting a wary glance at the street below. The earlier frenzy of screams and violence had quieted, replaced by occasional distant roars, though the frequency of these sounds was dwindling.
The zombies, armed with terrifying speed and strength, had torn through the city’s dense population like wildfire. The streets were now littered with the undead—shuffling, disoriented, yet lethal. Having seen their ruthless efficiency, Lu Ming wasn’t about to underestimate them.
[Zombies exhibit immense explosive power. I witnessed several men, clearly stronger than average, being overwhelmed without being able to escape. Their speed is rivaled only by their brute force.]
[They appear to rely primarily on sound for hunting. Their eyesight seems impaired, and their sense of smell is average, but their hearing is highly sensitive.]
[Thankfully, my safehouse is equipped with five layers of soundproofing. A quick experiment confirmed that my daily activities within the house do not attract their attention.]
Satisfied with his initial notes, Lu Ming closed his current notebook and reached for a newer, higher-quality one. Flipping open to the first page, he titled it with deliberate strokes:
[A Week of Fitness Plans and Dietary Arrangements]
This time, the task felt even more serious.
[An effective fitness plan should balance training with rest. Overtraining will only hinder progress, and allowing the body ample recovery time is essential.]
[Likewise, increased physical exertion requires a significant caloric intake to restore nutrients. Failing to meet these needs will diminish training effectiveness and weaken the body.]
These two principles—rest and nutrition—became the bedrock of Lu Ming’s new training manual. In the uncertain world he now faced, they were as vital as any weapon. Lu Ming knew that fitness relied on a delicate balance: 30% training, 70% nutrition, and 100% sleep.
He continued to record each day’s focus with meticulous detail:
[Monday: Chest, Arms]
Specific Exercises: Flat Bench Press, Dumbbell Flyes, Cable Press...
[Tuesday: Back, Shoulders]
Specific Exercises: Deadlift, Seated Cable Row, Seated Dumbbell Press...
[Wednesday: Legs, Core]
Specific Exercises: Weighted Squats, Leg Raises, Six-Pack Ab Workout...
[Thursday: Rest]
This day is dedicated entirely to rest, optimizing attribute gain during recovery.
[Friday: Repeat Monday]
[Saturday: Repeat Tuesday]
[Sunday: Repeat Wednesday]
[The diet should focus on high protein intake with moderate carbohydrates.]
[Aim for a daily afternoon nap, and ensure a full eight hours of sleep each night.]
Lu Ming reviewed the newly crafted plan, his focus sharp. He carefully transcribed it into the notebook, knowing every small detail could impact his progress.
"Attribute farming is crucial," he muttered to himself, eyes gleaming with determination. "Even rest days must be used to maximize gains."
The reality of the apocalypse demanded more than just raw survival; it required strategy. Supplies were no longer something he could easily replenish, and venturing outside was a dangerous prospect. His current stockpile needed careful management, with a revised meal plan tailored to stretch resources while still supporting his physical goals.
With a satisfied nod, Lu Ming concluded his planning session.
"That should suffice for now," he said aloud, the quiet of his home amplifying the sound.
Curious, he accessed his attribute panel:
Name: Lu Ming
Age: 25 years old
Strength: 5.8
Physique: 6.2
Agility: 6.0
[Skills]
- Fitness (Lv. 1 0/100): Increases daily maximum attribute gain by 0.1 points.
An unexpected entry appeared.
“An additional skill?” Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the "Fitness" skill that now appeared in his panel.
Reflecting on the day, he pieced together the logic behind its activation. First, he had spent the day immersing himself in fitness knowledge. Then, he meticulously crafted a detailed workout plan. The connection seemed clear.
“Fitness Lv. 1,” Lu Ming read aloud, feeling a quiet sense of accomplishment. It was modest, but its impact was significant: a 0.1-point increase to his daily attribute gains, raising his limit from 0.5 to 0.6. While small, it was a step forward, and the presence of "Lv. 1" suggested there were more levels to unlock.
“How do I raise this skill’s proficiency?” Lu Ming wondered aloud. The answer was obvious—consistent training.
His gaze drifted toward the clock.
"Should I give it a shot now?" he considered, though a yawn quickly escaped his lips. The time had already slipped to 9 PM.
Realizing that he had already maxed out his attribute gains for the day, Lu Ming decided against it.
"Moving all that equipment earlier definitely counted as exercise," he mused, reflecting on the exhausting effort of the day. "Balancing work and rest is important. I’ll tackle it tomorrow."
Lu Ming rose from his chair, leaving his study area to retire to the bedroom. Like the front door, his bedroom door boasted five reinforced locks. With practiced ease, he unlocked each one before stepping inside.
The windows were sealed with iron plates, just like the others in the house. His nearly 50-square-meter bedroom had all the comforts of a well-prepared sanctuary. Lu Ming crossed the room and approached a hidden door beside the bed.
This secret passage led directly to the basement.
Descending two meters, he entered a space far larger than the floors above. Supplies were neatly organized: food, medical kits, and a diesel generator complete with a fuel reserve. It was his nightly ritual to inventory everything. Tonight was no different.
"Water, food..." he murmured as he checked each item. "Mainly canned goods. Plenty of canned meat, but high in sodium."
High sodium could lead to swelling and would interfere with his fitness goals. While it wasn’t an immediate issue, he made a mental note to watch his intake more carefully.
Reassured that everything was in order, Lu Ming returned to his bedroom. Without a second thought, he discarded his clothes and slid into bed. Sleep quickly overtook him.
End of Chapter 4