"So, based on the measurements, requirements, and additional labor fees, the total amount will be 15,205,148 Starlight. We will also require half the payment as a down payment before starting the renovations, with the remainder due upon completion, sir."
Lucian carefully examined the calculations. After confirming the numbers, he grabbed a check and wrote down the down payment amount.
By his own calculations, he had already spent 9,425,809 Starlight on previous purchases, leaving him with 14,082,482. Subtracting today's payment, his balance dropped to 6,479,935 Starlight. Not enough to cover the remainder—but he wasn't worried. Once his other properties were sold, he would have more than enough to settle the account.
"I've had some conflicts with my neighbors," Lucian said as he flipped through the contract. "I hope you can keep the details of this renovation confidential."
"Don't worry, sir," the salesperson assured him. "All of our employees have signed NDAs, and the terms are included in the contract."
Lucian nodded in acknowledgment. "I just wanted to remind you. They can be a bit... gossipy." He gave the salesperson a helpless smile.
"Ah, I understand," the salesperson said with a slight chuckle. "Rest assured, sir. We've handled these situations before, and our security team will handle any issues that come up."
Lucian smirked in understanding. He was a cautious person. When choosing a security renovation team, he had carefully checked their reviews and even asked a detective to run a background check. After confirming their clean history and excellent customer feedback, he had made the decision to hire them.
Once the contract was signed, he handed it over, along with the check.
"It's a pleasure working with you, Mr. Wang," the salesperson said, extending his hand for a handshake.
"Likewise." Lucian smiled as they shook hands.
He stared at the ceiling for a moment, and then a smile slowly spread across his face as he eagerly opened the [System Manual]. He had noticed a new panel—[Space Inventory].
Excited, Lucian opened it and read carefully.
[Space Inventory]
His heart quickened. Lucian opened it eagerly.
[Apocalypse Survival Guide for Newbies]
How to Use the Space
You can only store items if you have close contact with them.Space Inventory can be controlled with your mind.You can check the Space Inventory interface to select items.Leveling up will expand the space, extend the time in the space, and increase the maximum storage capacity.
Space Level Requirements and Rewards:
[Level 1 – User Level 2]
10,000 sqm warehouse with cold storage1,000 sqm parking lotPreservation effect availableAuto sorting availableSpace access duration: 3 hoursMaximum item capacity: 1,000
[Level 2 – User Level 5]
Unlimited water well2,500 sqm freshwater pond2,500 sqm saltwater pondAllows animal reproductionAuto-feeder availableSystem fishing function availableSpace access duration: 1 weekMaximum item capacity: 10,000
[Level 3 – User Level 10]
5,000 sqm barn for animalsAllows animal reproductionAuto-feeder availableSystem collecting and butcher functions are available.Space access duration: 1 dayMaximum item capacity: 50,000
[Level 4 – User Level 20]
100,000 sqm farmland (any crop)Auto-planting and irrigation availableSystem harvest function availableSpace access duration: 1 monthMaximum item capacity: 500,000
[Level 5 – User Level 40]
300,000 sqm mountain terrainAuto-planting availableGrowth rate speed: 1 monthSpiritual spring (with healing abilities)Unlimited space accessInfinite item storage
[Note: User must reach Level 50 to unlock higher levels.]
Lucian smiled in satisfaction. The preservation effect alone was a great reward, and he could now begin storing fresh food. What particularly caught his attention was the Level 2 and Level 3 rewards—Animal Husbandry. If animals outside began to mutate, die off, or carry diseases, having the ability to breed and store them safely would be invaluable.
Even more so, the [Unlimited Water Well] was crucial. With the power likely to be cut off in the future, having an unlimited water source could be a lifesaver.
"I need to buy a lot of gold and jade," he muttered. With his current wealth, it wouldn't be an issue to use it all up now before it became worthless. The key would be stocking up on as much EXP as possible to unlock these next levels.
With his decision made, Lucian grabbed his phone. Since the renovation was scheduled to start tomorrow, he decided to book a nearby hotel to stay in while the work was being done. At the same time, he placed large orders of authentic jewelry and antiques from various stores, which would be delivered to the hotel. Some items he planned to pick up personally. He spent around 3,450,236 Starlight, leaving him with 3,029,699 Starlight.
"That should be enough for now," Lucian said to himself. He still needed to visit a store that sold raw jade once his lawyer transferred the funds from the property sales.
For the remaining three million, he planned to purchase other hard-to-find goods, such as medicine, gasoline, and construction materials. This was why he had rented a truck. He also wanted to use the time to scout the area, plan escape routes, and identify key supply locations—such as supermarkets, jewelry stores, and the local police station.
Once he had finalized his plans, Lucian opened the Space Inventory in his mind and began experimenting with it.
The Space Inventory interface was like something out of the games he used to play. The system automatically categorized the items, and Lucian found that when he stored furniture, it was placed under the Furniture category. Clicking the icon would open a small interface showing different styles and colors of the chair or table stored.
He tested it with other categories and realized that the system categorized items of the same type and brand but divided them by size, color, texture, and flavor. For example, his favorite beef jerky was stacked by flavor, making it easy to find.
The preservation feature worked perfectly, too. He placed a cold water bottle, frozen meat, and freshly microwaved pizza into the space. Ten minutes later, the items came out exactly as they had been—unchanged in temperature.
Finally, Lucian decided to enter Space himself. The initial dizziness was overwhelming, but after taking a second to rest, he found himself standing in a massive warehouse. To his left, there was an empty parking lot, and above him was a vast blue sky, though there was no sun—just a massive red countdown hovering in the air.
After surveying the area, Lucian exited the space and found himself back in his now-empty living room. He set an alarm for ten minutes and resumed storing more items.
When the alarm went off, Lucian opened the television, cranked up the volume, and returned to the Space. He repeated this process several times.
By the time he finished, it was 6:45 p.m. He had completed his experiments and stored the most important items, leaving behind the larger furniture. There was no need to cause suspicion with the renovation team.
The day wasn't over yet, though. Lucian laced up his running shoes and decided to finish Quest 2 by tomorrow. He could've run 10 kilometers on the treadmill, but instead, he opted to run outside to get some fresh air and survey the nearby area.
Before leaving, he left his laptop and desktop running, downloading survival tutorials and entertainment. Lucian wanted to be fully prepared, and the knowledge he gained could prove invaluable.
The elevator ride felt like an eternity. On the 5th floor, the doors opened, and Lucian's heart skipped a beat.
Standing there was a man Lucian had been secretly admiring for months.
His soft, expressive blue eyes glimmered behind thin rectangular glasses. His straight, thin eyebrows gave him a serious yet intelligent appearance. His straight, narrow nose had a small mole on the right side. His lips were slightly tinted, full, and so inviting.
The man's skin was fair and smooth, glowing under the dim lights of the hallway. His long, wavy black hair was loosely tied back, with strands falling around his face.
He was dressed in a white turtleneck and light brown pants that clung to his lean, slim frame. The white doctor's coat draped over his arm, and he held a black briefcase in his right hand.
He was beautiful.
Lucian bit the inside of his cheek, trying to calm his racing heart.
Lucian's heart wasn't cold. He was simply selective when it came to choosing partners. Perhaps it was his nature, but he hated to admit it—he had a tendency to observe people from a distance. He liked to understand their personalities before approaching them. If he felt they weren't worth his time, he would stop watching. If they were, he'd approach slowly, carefully.
His parents, though Beta, had never demanded he have only one partner. They understood that, as a dominant alpha, he might have multiple mates. One person could not satisfy a Dominant's needs, particularly in the bedroom. Despite this, they always encouraged him to cherish and love his partners. Lucian had taken that to heart.
The excuse he'd made earlier about meeting an omega wasn't entirely a lie. He had been courting three omegas for two years, but both he and the omegas preferred taking things slow, without discussing marriage. Yet with the apocalypse approaching, Lucian's mindset was changing. It was his nature to feel possessive. He had already considered them his wives, and as their husband, he would do everything in his power to protect and support them through the coming disaster.