The roar of the engine faded behind me as I drove the black sports car through the city streets. People moved about their daily lives, oblivious to what was coming, laughing, talking, and commuting—but I knew better. Every second counted.
As I approached my apartment building, the security gate swung open slowly. The gatekeeper, Mr. Han, squinted at me through the small window.
> "Hey… is that you?" he asked, a mix of surprise and familiarity in his voice.
I smiled faintly. "It's me. Long time no see, Mr. Han."
He chuckled. "I haven't seen you in years. Look at you… driving that car! Never thought I'd see the day."
I laughed lightly. "Things change. But I'm leaving the apartment… sold it."
His face fell. He had known me since I was a kid, a small orphan with no one. "You… you're leaving? I remember you running around here when you were little. You're really gone?"
"I am," I said calmly. Then I leaned closer, lowering my voice. "Take my advice—stock food. Lots of it. You'll thank me later."
His eyes widened in understanding. He nodded slowly. "You… always thinking ahead, huh?"
I gave him a faint smile and stepped on the accelerator. The gate swung open, and I drove inside.
---
Whispers followed me the moment I entered. People stared at the car, envy and awe written plainly on their faces.
A man I remembered from years ago—he had sneered at me for being parents-less and poor—stood frozen near the elevator. His eyes burned with disbelief and anger, like his heart was on fire seeing me like this.
Let them feel it. Let them watch. They had no idea what I was capable of.
I parked the car and walked to the elevator.
---
Back in my apartment, I set the briefcase of cash on the table and opened my laptop.
The car had cost six million dollars. I ran the numbers, feeling a thrill as I saw the balance remaining after the purchase. Plenty left for gold, supplies, and experiments.
Everything is falling into place, I thought. One step closer to being truly ready for what's coming.
Then I allowed myself a small grin.
> "My name… is Edric Kane."
I took a deep breath and focused. The gold bar wasn't just in my hands anymore—it was in my inventory space, a limitless pocket of reality where anything I stored was safe, untouchable.
> "Alright… let's see this thing in action," I muttered.
I stepped into the shimmering void of my inventory. The world outside faded, replaced by an endless, quiet space that stretched infinitely in every direction. The gold floated gently before me, waiting.
The massive pot loomed ahead, suspended in the center of the inventory. Its black surface seemed to absorb the light around it, a void of possibility.
I carefully placed the gold bar into the pot. The metal hit the bottom with a soft thud.
For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Then faint ripples ran across the surface of the pot, subtle waves that made the air shimmer.
> "It's working… it's actually working," I whispered, my pulse quickening.
I watched closely, imagining the duplication. One bar… multiplied a hundred times… enough to buy everything I could need, enough to survive anything the apocalypse would throw at me.
I spoke aloud, almost as if reinforcing the thought:
> "Step by step. One thing at a time. Gold first… then the rest."
The gold in the pot seemed untouched, but I knew inside it, duplicates were forming, invisible and real. I could already feel the endless possibilities opening before me.
A grin formed. Food. Medicine. Weapons. Everything.
> "Edric Kane doesn't just survive… he prepares. And nothing—nothing—will stop him now."
I closed the inventory and glanced around the apartment one last time.I stood in the middle of the apartment, surveying everything I had gathered. Important documents, cash, electronics, tools, and a few personal items—all carefully chosen.
Instead of carrying them physically, I activated my inventory. The endless, weightless space shimmered in my mind's eye, waiting.
One by one, I placed every item inside:
The cash, stacked neatly
The documents, all perfectly organized
Electronics and tools
My few personal keepsakes
Each item vanished from sight the moment it entered the inventory, safe, untouchable, and ready for anything.
> "Step by step," I muttered to myself. "Everything I need… in one place. Nothing can be stolen, lost, or destroyed."
With everything secure, I slung the empty bag over my shoulder. It was no longer needed—everything I truly valued was already inside my inventory.
---
Sliding into the driver's seat of the black sports car, I let the engine purr beneath me. The streets blurred as I drove with purpose.
Destination: a 7-star hotel. Not for luxury, but for security and a base high above the chaos.
The sports car purred as I pulled up in front of the hotel. Polished glass doors reflected the sunlight, and staff moved efficiently, maintaining the pristine lobby.
I stepped out and approached the counter. A young woman looked up, her expression polite but professional.
> "Good afternoon, sir. Welcome to the Grand Astral Hotel. How may I assist you today?"
I leaned slightly forward. "I want your most exclusive, VIP mansion. The top one you have. I'll take it for thirty days."
Her eyes widened in surprise. "Sir… that's the most luxurious suite we offer. Only a few people ever rent it. May I… see your credentials?"
I smiled faintly, tapping the hood of my black sports car, which was still gleaming outside the lobby.
Her jaw dropped slightly as she caught sight of it through the glass. That car… he must be very wealthy.
> "Ah… yes, sir. Of course. I'll prepare the paperwork immediately," she said, typing rapidly on the computer, her eyes occasionally darting to the car outside.
Whispers spread among the staff. They assumed he must be extraordinarily rich to drive such a vehicle and request the top suite.
> "Thirty days, sir. Total… 3.5 million dollars."
I handed over the cash, watching her count it carefully. She then handed me the key card with a small bow.
> "Welcome to your suite, sir. Please enjoy your stay."
---
Once inside the mansion, I took a moment to absorb the sheer luxury: floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic city views, an expansive living room, and a private terrace. This would be the perfect base of operations.
I sat on the edge of the couch and checked my remaining funds mentally.
Let's see… I spent 6 million on the car, 3.5 million on the mansion…
Less than half a million left.