Chapter 34: Game Room Invitation

After storing the blueprint, Lin Ye didn't rush to leave the room. Instead, he closed the door and began absorbing spiritual energy to enhance his physical attributes.

Midway through the cycle, Lin Ye suddenly felt an unusual hunger. He drank several bottles of nutrient solution before recovering. This was probably the correct use of nutrient solutions - providing material support during enhancement rather than supplying spiritual energy.

Half an hour later, Lin Ye completed his second enhancement cycle of the day. With over an hour left before the event ended, he gathered all his supplies and continued exploring the maze through the opposite red double doors.

Lin Ye unlocked several more rooms afterwards, only to find treasure chests containing various food items inside each. As the countdown neared its end, he opened the last locked room, which disappointingly contained yet another red wooden treasure chest.

"Wonder what's inside this time. Please no rice - one bag lasts me forever. No perishables either. Preferably canned food, or junk food that stores well..."

Lin Ye opened the chest eagerly, only to find a single colorful piece of paper that looked completely unserious. "...Well, at least it doesn't take up space."

After storing the paper, the countdown ended and Lin Ye was teleported back to the shelter.

Returning to the shelter, the duck hadn't disappeared yet, though unfortunately there was no more duck blood vermicelli soup to eat. Lin Ye organized the various food items and listed the mutation organs at 10 red coins each before examining his event rewards.

First were several spiritual energy items of unknown function.

Lin Ye: ?

'What the hell? Does this mean stabbing others or yourself?'

Tossing the dagger into a corner to collect dust, Lin Ye moved on to the next item.

'What kind of shady organization is this Ring group? Seems pretty low-tier.'

Lin Ye didn't know whether the corpse belonged to a Ring Organization member or just someone who bought their products. If the former, then the organization probably wasn't impressive. Considering the ring-shaped mark on the corpse, the former seemed more likely.

The pistol was decent with 8 bullets remaining, but the robe was useless and got tossed into the junk pile. Next was the event's biggest prize - an unknown blueprint.

Lin Ye used the blueprint with a face full of question marks. He wouldn't even encounter Tier 3 mutation creatures anytime soon, let alone gather enough materials.

Finally, there was that colorful piece of paper.

'Game room?'

Lin Ye didn't use the invitation immediately. He planned to try it after tomorrow's simulation. If it had abundant spiritual energy, he wouldn't need to absorb energy during nighttime activities.

After sorting his loot, Lin Ye cooked himself a lavish dinner and opened the group chat while eating.

"Any big shots get a shelter upgrade blueprint? Paying top dollar."

"Don't tell me no one got one?"

"Got nothing but food here."

"I opened four chests today - all food. Anyone worse off?"

"Damn, was Lin right? What about those of us without blueprints? Just wait to die?"

"Got one here. Make an offer."

"Thank god! I thought shelter upgrade blueprints were extinct!"

"Damn, you're lucky getting a blueprint."

"Lucky my ass. Chests were all food. I barely killed a Tier 1 mutation creature in the hall, used a special key to open a room and found this in an item room. Thought it was some amazing blueprint at first. Name your price - won't trade for junk."

"Thought we had a lottery winner here. Turns out it's just another unlucky bastard."

"You sure about that? Many still lack blueprints. This could save lives."

"You think those hiding in shelters have anything good?"

"Show some respect - this guy took down a Tier 1 creature."

"Wait, you've already upgraded your shelter, right? Since it's extra, sell it cheap - could save lives!"

"Sorry, already sold. Stop DMing me. Buyer made an offer I couldn't refuse."

"What? Already gone?"

"Probably that resource whale. Started buying blueprints right after the event."

"Damn."

"So what about those of us without blueprints?"

"Just wait to die. What else?"

Lin Ye: The system wouldn't be that cruel. I think item rooms have high blueprint drop rates. Could also try more chests - low probability doesn't mean impossible. Just my theory though.

"The expert has spoken."

"Lin's right."

"Lin, had dinner yet?"

Lin Ye: But Tier 1 mutation creatures are strong. Those without combat talents better avoid them (food pic).

Lin Ye: Also buying special room keys. Can trade mutation cards, nutrient solutions, red keys, etc.

"Looks hearty but presentation needs work. Homemade?"

"Damn, even experts cook for themselves. I cook too - suddenly feel less pathetic."

"Looks appetizing though."

"Need a chef? Free service here."

"Five-star hotel chef at your service!"

Lin Ye: No thanks. But any tips for preserving perishables? Got too much food to eat quickly.

"Make salted meat and pickles."

"Maybe deep frying extends shelf life?"

"Same problem here - dozens of pounds of fresh meat."

"Hello? Anyone notice Lin's buying special keys? I've got keys but wouldn't dare enter the corridor."

After discussing meat preservation methods with the group for forty minutes over dinner, Lin Ye exited the chat and opened private messages to trade for special room keys.