[Congratulations, Host! Your territory is the 1274th to undergo the Basic Upgrade Trial. Current regional ranking: 192. Special Building*1 obtained.]
[Congratulations, Host! You have passed the territory's first upgrade trial, received Building*2. Lord Panel upgrading...]
[...]
[Congratulations, Host! You have slain lv.5 Dark Demon Wolf, received Beast Meat Gift Pack*10, Anti-black Gift Pack*10, Wolf Skin*10, Experience Points*100, copper coin*100, dropped Grocery Store Blueprint*1.]
[...]
Only at this moment did Zhou Bai realize that this sudden demon beast invasion was an inevitable consequence of territory upgrades, a deadly trap hidden behind all the apparent prosperity.
Just when she thought that working hard to upgrade would make the territory stronger and let the residents live better lives, it struck her a harsh blow.
She was so close—really, just a bit closer—and if she hadn't set up the Guard Team or rescued the refugees, greeting the demon beasts in peace and comfort, the territory's fate would've been much more tragic than now.
The over one thousand territories that disappeared in the first upgrade trial were a stark lesson.
Zhou Bai couldn't help feeling a bit guilty in her heart.
If she hadn't rushed, would the territory have gained more people, let everyone adapt better before facing the trial, and fewer survivors would've died?
"Xiao Bai, how are you?" By now, Ding Qiurou had hurried over to check on Zhou Bai. The moment she saw her daughter, she sensed something was a little off in Zhou Bai's mood, her expression carrying a hint of panic.
"Mom, I'm a little scared." Zhou Bai ran straight into Ding Qiurou's arms, speaking in a muffled voice. She was afraid she couldn't bear all the weight of the territory, so many people died in this trial, and she was forced to face such brutality head-on.
Thinking back, memories of the harmonious faces before the demon beast invasion and the cruel deaths flickered in her mind. The warmth she felt then turned into piercing heartache as events unfolded.
She was really scared! Scared the territory's path ahead would grow even more vicious, scared she'd make another mistake and drag others down with her.
"Don't be scared, don't be scared, Xiao Bai is brave." Ding Qiurou comforted Zhou Bai, holding her close.
At this moment, Zhou Zhengping also arrived. Seeing Zhou Bai's vulnerability, he spoke directly: "Xiao Bai, Dad is proud of you."
Zhou Bai's ears twitched as she listened.
"You really did great!" Zhou Zhengping said without hesitation, continuing to praise her. His daughter had taken a hit from the game this time; she needed encouragement.
He could guess how she felt, but he didn't think Xiao Bai had done anything wrong—in fact, thanks to her keen senses, their territory survived the crisis.
Now Li Xingteng also walked over. He didn't know the details, and thought Zhou Bai was just frightened, so he followed Zhou Zhengping's words: "Yeah, Xiao Bai! We owe it all to you. If you hadn't acted decisively, more would've died! We'll all keep getting stronger. If demon beasts dare show up, we'll make sure they never walk away. The harder the world gets, the tougher we have to be."
This was a blow for all of them, but it's human nature—rising to the challenge, never giving up!
With others around and emotions easing, Zhou Bai let go of Ding Qiurou. To be honest, just a little while was enough to calm her a bit.
That's right! What she'd done wasn't actually wrong—it was the choice any normal person would've made.
She just hadn't expected the game to be so damn cruel!
Taking a soft breath, Zhou Bai tossed the guilt from her mind, her gaze growing determined.
This time's heavy losses brought new growth. No one would overlook the hidden dangers of this world again; no one dared slack off anymore, right?
"Thank you." Zhou Bai thanked Li Xingteng.
"No problem." Li Xingteng responded.
At this point, the other survivors who'd been badly shaken finally started snapping out of it one by one.
"This world is so fucking shit!"
"I won't just give in like this."
"I want to live, keep on living, I don't want to die."
"Me too."
"Then let's work hard to get stronger! If we toughen up, the territory toughens up, demon beasts won't bully us ever again."
"..."
Everything that happened today made them face the unpredictable brutality of this world with absolute clarity.
The mindset of many was already changing at that moment.
They knew one thing: if they stayed stuck in the old pre-apocalypse mentality, the only thing waiting for them was death.
Even so, a hint of confusion still showed in many faces as they thought about all this.
Zhou Bai noticed this, and remembering the kill rewards mentioned earlier, she quickly spoke up: "Tonight's demon beast kill rewards seem to be doubled!"
When Zhou Bai finished, many immediately checked their personal panels.
[Congratulations, Host! You have slain lv.3 Dark Demon Wolf, received Beast Meat Gift Pack*6, Wolf Skin*3, Experience Points*60, copper coin*60, dropped Anti-black backpack blueprint.]
[Congratulations, Host! You have slain lv.2 Dark Demon Wolf, received Beast Meat Gift Pack*4, Wolf Skin*4, Experience Points*40, copper coin*40, dropped anti-black hat blueprint.]
[Congratulations, Host! ..., dropped Night Vision Glasses blueprint.]
[...]
"Damn! Tonight's rewards are seriously good, all drops are doubled, plus special blueprints."
"Me too, I even got a Night Vision Glasses blueprint. With that, we'll be able to hunt demon beasts at night in the future!"
"I finally get it—danger and opportunity go hand in hand."
"Exactly, everything we got during the day can't even compare to now!"
"With all these gains, at least it's some consolation!"
"The game isn't totally heartless after all."
"Right, if facing strong demon beasts is compulsory, then higher rewards are necessary too."
Stimulated by those item drops, people who'd been confused now showed steely determination in their eyes. At least the days ahead had hope—they wouldn't just get stronger, but live even better!
"By the way, it's hard to collect materials ourselves for all these blueprints. Let's sell them to the territory! I believe the territory will manufacture them soon, and then more people can buy them."
"Yeah! Without the territory this time, we'd all be finished for sure."
"If the territory thrives, we all thrive."
"I saw the territory's fence being repaired all day, must've consumed lots of materials. When we head out next, let's help collect more so the territory can build."
"Okay, we all agree."
"The territory is my home; keeping it safe is everybody's job!"
"..."
With one person taking the lead, the rest quickly echoed the sentiment; that last "home" word found its way into everyone's hearts.
Their past homes were gone; now, only one home remained—the territory.
Hearing their words, Zhou Bai felt moved as well.
Disasters draw everyone's hearts closer together.
"Everyone's tired tonight, so get some rest. Our Guard Team will keep defending the territory; tomorrow, we'll sort out the rewards." Li Xingteng stepped forward just then.
After his words, many noticed the sky outside was growing light—it turned out, they'd been fighting this long without realizing it. In a rush, exhaustion swept over them.
"Yeah, let's go get some rest."
"Thank you all."
"..."
After saying this, people grouped up and headed toward the residential area.
"You all go rest, too! I'll assign a few to stand guard. After last night's big battle, there shouldn't be any more demon beast attacks today." Li Xingteng offered to Zhou Zhengping and the others.
"Alright." Zhou Zhengping didn't refuse, leading Zhou Bai and Ding Qiurou home.
As soon as they got home, Zhou Zhengping asked Zhou Bai about the details.
Zhou Bai told them everything she knew.
After listening, Zhou Zhengping rubbed Zhou Bai's head. "Over a thousand territories, only two hundred made it. Probably because they upgraded too fast and weren't ready. But with you, we made it through!"
As for the residents living under those territories, all he could say was it's a pity.
Still, this disaster was global; all they could do was look after themselves.
"Exactly! If not for your territory, we'd all be done for!" Ding Qiurou said eagerly.
"I get it now. Dad, Mom, don't worry!" Zhou Bai said seriously.
"That's good to hear." Zhou Zhengping nodded. "Let the territory's construction follow your instincts, and as for upgrades, go steady and careful. Believe in yourself!"
Zhou Bai nodded. She had to admit, her parents' support gave her plenty of courage.
"Rest well!"
"Mm."
Afterward, lying in bed, Zhou Bai's gaze lingered on her control panel—it was still upgrading. Tomorrow, she'd check it!
Tomorrow, she should be able to learn more about this world and decide which road to take next.