Chapter Five: Setting a Small Goal

A total of twenty-four Tier-1 zombie corpses—recovery value: 0.24 contribution points. It was clear that recycling them now was hardly worthwhile. According to the system’s recommendations, Lin Lei would need to amass at least ten thousand zombie corpses just to earn ninety-five contribution points.

“I’ll set a small goal for myself first—make a hundred million in three days—well, five hundred contribution points,” Lin Lei muttered as he collected the corpses.

With five hundred points, after repaying his loan, he’d still have three hundred ninety left. He’d set aside a hundred for travel expenses—crossing into a primary world barrier—and the remainder would be enough to keep him comfortable for half a year.

“This must be a second-tier city—there must be at least several hundred thousand zombies here. The resources are right here; how to turn them into contribution points… that’s worth serious thought,” Lin Lei mused.

He had three days—more precisely, only two days and twenty-two hours left. Even if tens of thousands of zombies lined up for him to cut down, the time would still be tight. Not to mention, after killing them, he’d have to recover each corpse himself.

“System, you must have a way to save time on recovery, right? After all, time is money. The time spent recovering is enough for me to hunt another batch of zombies,” Lin Lei asked.

“There is indeed a way,” the system replied leisurely.

“Well, how much does it cost?” Lin Lei already saw through the system’s merchant-like nature.

“For every two contribution points consumed, you can set a recovery marker. Once marked, the system will automatically store the corresponding items in the supply storage. When the total marked items reach the minimum threshold for recovery—one hundred contribution points—they will be automatically recycled. Remember, anything marked for recovery will no longer be under your control,” the system explained.

Once a recovery marker was set, any item acquired by Lin Lei would be whisked away by the system into storage, greatly reducing the time spent collecting. The only disadvantage was that he’d lose any say over those marked items.

For instance, if he found a rare material that wasn’t cost-effective to recycle, he could potentially barter it locally for something of higher value. But if, to save time, he marked it for recovery, he’d lose that opportunity.

“Zombie corpses aren’t good for much besides recycling… Fine, I’ll set two markers: Tier-1 and Tier-2 zombie corpses.” After careful thought, Lin Lei decided.

After all, he had no interest in the zombie virus; if he ever wanted it, he could exchange for it through the system—no need to keep samples.

As soon as he set the markers, the zombie corpses on the ground flashed with a white light and vanished without a trace, as if they had never been there at all.

“Money doesn’t just make the world go round, it can even make the system clean up after you!” Lin Lei muttered.

Since he’d already spent contribution points, he decided to spend the rest in one go, so the system wouldn’t keep eyeing his meager balance. He exchanged for three tons of regular rice and two thousand boxes of cheap instant noodles, preparing for his next move.

“System, since I’ve spent so much, how about a free tip?” Lin Lei tried to cozy up to the system.

He used to be a big spender—when he had money, the system had to cater to him. Now, as a pauper, he could only plead.

“No freebies—contribution points only,” the system insisted on its mercenary stance.

“I’m out of points. Can I take out another loan?” He’d already borrowed once; what was a little more debt?

“What do you want to know?” The system seemed to soften.

“There must be survivors in this city, right? Find them for me—two contribution points,” Lin Lei offered.

“Ten points. I’ll deduct it when the first batch of resources is recycled,” the system demanded brazenly.

“That’s robbery! Do you know how many zombies I need to kill to make ten points?” Lin Lei fumed.

“Information is priceless. Didn’t you say time is money? Besides, robbery is against the rules and would be sanctioned.”

“So, if it weren’t against the rules, you’d rob me blind?”

“With your current negative balance of a hundred and ten points, you’re hardly worth robbing.”

“%@#~!”

Ten points for a single message was extortionate. The system could scan by itself—finding survivors was effortless, pure profit. Lin Lei felt he had to bargain.

In the past, he wasn’t one to haggle, but after being fleeced by the system several times, he felt compelled to reclaim his dignity—even saving a single point would do.

Bickering as they searched ahead, Lin Lei was suddenly drawn to a billboard atop a high-rise.

“Voice of Happiness Radio… a radio station? Why didn’t I think of that?” Inspiration struck.

The system, sensing his hesitation, suddenly offered, “Eight points. Message delivered instantly.”

“Heh… If I recall, doesn’t this Wanderer exoskeleton have a low-power radio?” Lin Lei said with a smile.

“You might have a radio, but the survivors may not,” the system replied.

“Don’t you already know?” Lin Lei pressed.

The system must have scanned the survivors’ locations right away—surely, it knew if they had radio equipment.

“Even if they do, if their radio’s off, you still won’t find them. How about five points, final offer,” the system tried again.

“Oh? No problem. Worth a shot—if it works, I’ve saved five points; if not, I might save all ten.” The more the system bargained, the more Lin Lei sensed a ruse. He firmly refused and began scanning frequencies.

“Fine, two points—with an extra message on the house,” the system relented.

“I thought messages could only be traded for points, not given away?”

“Oh, come now, we’re in this together. Our fates are tied.”

“Get lost! I was forced into this partnership!”

After venting his frustration, Lin Lei focused on scanning the radio bands.

To his surprise, his gamble paid off. Soon, he picked up a broadcast from nearby survivors.

“This is Niutou Mountain Survivor Camp, Niutou Mountain Survivor Camp. Breaking news: two hours ago, observers spotted a medium-sized zombie horde heading toward Niutou Mountain. Estimated time of arrival at the outer defense line: four hours. To ensure everyone’s safety, the shelter will close completely in three hours and remain sealed until the horde passes. Search teams nearby, return immediately upon receiving this message. This is Niutou Mountain Survivor Camp, Niutou Mountain Survivor Camp. Breaking news…”