[Congratulations on successfully accepting your current reality, host.]
Sienna's eyes widened as a soft voice, like that of a child, echoed in her ears – so soft and close, it felt as if the speaker were right behind her.
She hurriedly looked around, her eyes vigilant. "Who's there?"
The cat looked up at her owner, batting her eyes, as if to say, 'What's wrong with this human?'
The voice sounded again.
[Let me properly introduce myself. I am King of Karma System 123 (KKS), and you can call me Cissy. Due to your many good deeds in your previous world – curing the pandemic, sponsoring children, and supporting foster homes – you have been granted a second chance at life, in this world.]
Sienna's eyelashes fluttered slightly. She had been an orphan in her past life, growing up in a foster home where the next meal was never guaranteed. Through sheer determination and intelligence, she earned a scholarship that allowed her to study medicine, eventually becoming a military doctor. Of course, she wouldn't forget her roots, so most of her income went directly into charities.
Cissy continued after a brief pause.
[There are still forty days left before the apocalypse begins. It's advisable for the host to start stockpiling now.]
"Stockpiling?" she asked, dazed.
Cissy affirmed. [Yes. Currently, the entire laboratory is stored inside your consciousness, with only your personal office accessible at will. You may use it as a storage hub for food and other necessities that will be scarce during the apocalypse. You can unlock more rooms by fulfilling the requirements.]
"Requirements?"
[Yes, Host. You can summon your profile to check mission progress and stats just with a thought. You may try it now.]
Sienna didn't hesitate. The next second, a white holographic square appeared in front of her.
Her profile picture was the original host's picture – displayed in the top corner, along with her full name written in black font.
[King of Karma System Interface]
Name: Sienna Song
Gold Finger: Hospital
Rooms Unlocked: Personal Office
To be Unlocked: (Supply Depot)
< Requirements:
— Personal Office must be 90% full
Karma Exp: 0
(Points gained when host completes missions. Can be converted into Survival EXP later, which is required to level up as an apocalypse survivor.)
Sienna caught something. "Wait, so I don't really need Karma Exp right now, except when the apocalypse starts?"
[You're half correct. Some floors might require Karma Exp to unlock. Also, there are items and upgrades in the future that will need Karma. It's advisable to collect it early. Hint: Karma Exp is automatically gained through good deeds. Some are triggered by the system. Completing missions generally grants Karma Exp.]
"So if I understand you correctly, I gain Karma Exp by completing missions, right?"
[Yes.]
"Then if I fill my personal office, will I also gain Karma Exp?"
[Yes.]
"Alright!" Sienna's eyes lit up. In the novel, the higher your level, the better your chances of survival. Most characters died early because they stayed stuck at Level 1. But she had the opportunity to level up by converting Karma to Survival Exp.
The male lead's survival was a stroke of luck. He accidentally hit a zombie with an apple, smashing its head, gained Survival Exp, and became the first to level up. Since then, he'd always been a step ahead.
Sienna rubbed her palms together. "Can I see my personal office now?"
Cissy's childish voice, tinged with Sienna's excitement, replied brightly.
[Yes, Host. You only need to close your eyes and think about it, and you will find yourself in the accessible area.]
Sienna followed the instructions. When she opened her eyes again, she found herself inside the familiar office!
The room was just as she remembered – pure white and so quiet she could hear a pin drop. Her desk was buried under folders, and the snake plant by the corner still looked half-wilted from being neglected last week.
She tried the door. As expected, it didn't open.
[This office is currently your personal base. It is safe and disconnected from the apocalypse timeline. Time does not flow here, so anything perishable won't spoil even if you store them.]
Sienna's eyes lit up.
No time flow?
Perfect.
In the apocalypse, even the main characters had trouble eating. Sometimes, they'd go days without a single bite. Supermarkets were dangerous, crawling with zombies. One of the original host's sisters even lost her life in one.
She had everything she could desire! Now was the best time to start preparing.
With a thought, Sienna withdrew her consciousness. Her eyes snapped open, a small smile forming on her lips as she absentmindedly petted the cat curled up beside her.
She remembered now – this cat later became the female lead's favorite pet. During the apocalypse, it evolved and became more powerful than a tiger.
"Why are you purring so much?"
The cat tilted its head and gave a small meow, then nuzzled her hand.
"Do you just want me to pet you?"
Cissy's helpless voice sounded. [Host, the cat might be hungry.]
Her brows rose and she stared at the purring cat. "Hungry?"
She gently touched the cat's side. It gave another soft meow in reply, staring at her with those bright orbs as if to say Yes.
"Oh," she muttered, "I forgot cats need to eat too..."
[Host, pets will be useful companions during the apocalypse. They can grow alongside you if properly cared for.]
"Right," she muttered, tapping her chin. "But I've never raised a cat before, except for a few strays I came across on the roadside… what do I do now?..."
[Why don't you go check the cabinets and fridge? Maybe there would be some stuff she could eat.]