Strongest Deliveryman In The Apocalypse

[Some Weeks Later]

It had been three whole months since Sobin arrived in this new apocalyptic world.

This place was overrun with Monsters that had taken over more than half of the world. With only 12 Sectors that could boast as humanity's stronghold, it was clear that this world was in dire straits.

Still… It wasn't all bad.

It was still a world with some technological advancement, and ever since Sobin was promoted to an A Rank Rider several weeks ago, he had been enjoying special privileges that most people in this world wouldn't dream of.

He had freshly cooked meals, a large and comfortable residence right within the Frontier of Humanity, and even small perks like having a tv installed in Bessie.

Sure, all of these benefits didn't come for free.

For example, Sobin still had to pay to eat these meals. As for the residence, Sharon wanted him to stay there in case they were ever attacked by a powerful Monster.

Since Sobin's home was in Zone E-46, he would be more incentivized to protect it.

In essence… it was all for self-preservation!

Sobin didn't notice this, and even if he had, he wouldn't have really cared. He had finally settled into this world, formally recognized by a system that favored him. He no longer had to rest his head or worry about his secret as a transmigrator being exposed.

Right now, his goals were fairly simple: complete as many Deliveries as possible and finish all the Quests.

That way, he could speedrun his way home!

"Unfortunately, things aren't going as fast as I had hoped…" Sobin mumbled as he drove to his next destination.

Plumes of dust rose and scattered behind him as he fearlessly charged away from the inhabited zone and dove into barren land. The loud roar of his engine was enough to ward most creatures away, so even if he was in a danger zone, he was safe.

However, this wasn't at all what was on Sobin's mind as he rode into the land of terror.

'My progress has slowed down considerably. No more Chain Quests present themselves, and the tasks I've been receiving have become a lot more complicated and time-consuming…'

For example, now that he was an A Rank Rider, he would often have to visit Industrial Areas that stood between uninhabited zones and inhabited zones.

These areas had few Monsters, but had no humans living inside.

They were simply meant for the production and processing of resources that would be of aid to the Zone. In essence, they were necessary building blocks of civilization.

As an A Rank Rider, Sobin had to venture to these places to pick up products and take them to many Outposts scattered all over the Zones. It had been several weeks since he started this, so he had visited all kinds of places.

He had traveled to many Zones and seen many Outposts.

It almost felt like a road trip.

Sobin would have been happy with this lifestyle if his Quest completion rate was faster than normal—heck, if it was just as fast as it used to be—but it wasn't.

It kind of felt like he had run out of Chain Quests despite being in a more favorable position.

This really frustrated Sobin, but there was nothing he could do about it.

'I can't even complain too much, cus I know some people still have it worse than I do…' Sobin sighed softly as he thought of a certain group of Riders who had the most perilous task in the entire Sector.

—S Rank Riders!

'I heard that they've spent nearly a year on their mission at the Regional Industrial Plant. They're the only reason why the entire Sector still has power and a steady water supply.'

If they were to stop their tasks, the Monsters would overrun the plant and destroy the whole structure.

Once that happened, the results would be catastrophic!

'I don't think I could bear to stay positioned in one place, doing one mission, for almost a year!'

Sobin shook in dread when he thought of it.

He had a strange sense of camaraderie and respect for these S Rank Riders. After all, they were the ones at the forefront of humanity, risking their lives so that regular people, and even fellow Riders, could enjoy a semblance of modern life.

Sobin knew he wouldn't be able to enjoy the air conditioning or water heater in his room without their assistance, so he was immensely grateful.

'Thank you for your good work, brave soldiers of humanity!' He clasped his hands together inside his head, though his two hands remained on the steering will.

'We are grateful for your services!'

It didn't take long for Sobin to arrive at his destination once he finally snapped out of his glum thoughts and focused on the road.

There it was, in Zone E-49… the Weapons Manufacturing Plant!

Sobin noticed the large metal gates that seemed like the entrance to a castle, and he could barely see the top of it. He also noticed the large and dark mountain-like structure that existed within the large walls that surrounded the place.

It was dark and gleaming like obsidian metal, giving off an eerie vibe.

Sobin felt it was something out of a gothic novel he read in high school, especially since he saw smoke rise from the large chimney that ascended to the sky. As a result of the constant thick mists that rose from this building, everything for several miles was covered in dark clouds.

It was chilly and dark, but Sobin didn't mind at all.

After all, Bessie had a trusted heating system as well as reliable headlights.

He had no concerns at all.

Sobin honked his horn as he approached the gates. Naturally, there were several security systems that were triggered—all of which were automated.

Most workers that existed outside the inhabited zones were robots being remotely piloted by humans. Even the Frontier—Zone E-46—was the same, and it boasted the greatest security system of the entire Sector.

How much more a place smack dab in the middle of enemy territory?

Sobin passed his security check and was led inside, where he was asked to step out of the vehicle and confirm his identity by two security officers who were—as you guessed—robots with display screens on their heads.

The humans in the display screens were rather rude, but Sobin ignored them and focused on his task.

After all, this wasn't his first rodeo.

In his line of work, there would always be rude customers and nice customers. As long as they didn't breach his sacred creed, he would cater to all of them.

That was what he was being paid for, wasn't it?

********

[Meanwhile…]

Within a dimly lit room, with what appeared to be a roundtable conference, a group of seven people gathered round while one man sat at the seat of honor.

They all had various color codes and costumes, but it was certain this was a shady gathering.

The man at the head of the table was covered in a pitch black robe and he addressed everyone with a dark and grim voice.

"We will now begin our meeting… specifically on our assault on the Regional Industrial Plant."