Apocalypse Survival: Starting with a Shelter

After confirming the target lock, Su Wu initiated the shot.

A specialized pure metal projectile ejected from the illuminated muzzle of the electromagnetic sniper rifle, flying straight toward the locked rock pillar at a velocity far surpassing the speed of sound.

In an instant, the pillar's midsection exploded into a cloud of stone dust. Losing its base support, the upper half of the 20-meter-tall pillar toppled under the influence of gravity, crashing to the ground and kicking up an even larger cloud of dust.

Observing the impact of the electromagnetic sniper rifle, Su Wu raised an eyebrow.

He realized he might have chosen an unsuitable target. The impacted section of the rock pillar was too fragile. After shattering it, the projectile continued along its original trajectory, making it impossible to gauge the extent of destruction caused.

Just as Su Wu contemplated finding another target for testing, his peripheral vision caught changes on the three-dimensional map projected by the reconnaissance drones.

Zooming in, he noticed the high-altitude drones had captured the entire trajectory of the electromagnetic shot, marking the projectile's final landing point—a hill 1.2 kilometers away.

"This is unexpectedly useful."

There was no need for further testing. Any data Su Wu wanted was already available from the reconnaissance drones' transmitted intelligence, detailed enough to rival results from professional laboratory equipment.

These seemingly inconspicuous, fist-sized drones repeatedly amazed Su Wu, demonstrating the unparalleled efficiency and convenience of advanced technology.

Hanging the electromagnetic sniper rifle on the mech's back, Su Wu drew its melee weapon.

A deep red, 2.5-meter-long energy blade extended from the hilt gripped by the mech's hand.

As its name suggested, the energy blade cutter wasn't made of conventional metal but of a special extendable material. It wasn't sharp in its dormant state, coiled within the hilt's activation mechanism. However, when charged with sufficient energy, it extended, forming a blade akin to a laser, leveraging concentrated thermal energy for devastating effect.

Su Wu casually slashed the energy blade against the ground.

The red blade effortlessly carved through the terrain like a hot knife through butter, leaving a distinct, clean cut.

"This weapon could likely cut through steel without much effort."

Feeling the smoothness of the operation, Su Wu gauged the blade's potency, deeming it a worthy companion to the electromagnetic sniper rifle.

"There's also the anti-air laser launcher and the quad missile launchers."

Su Wu's attention shifted to the two icons representing the mech's secondary weapons on the display screen.

The anti-air laser launcher wasn't highly destructive, meant primarily for small airborne drones or incoming rockets. The quad missile launchers were another matter entirely.

According to the database, the eight missiles housed within the two launchers each packed the equivalent power of a 1,000-ton tactical nuclear warhead—a truly staggering level of destruction.

"These can't be casually tested. Each one used is one less available."

Su Wu sighed. He even considered removing one of the missile launchers, replacing its payload with self-produced rockets to avoid leaving such a powerful weapon idle in conventional battles.

After familiarizing himself with the weapon systems, Su Wu opened the Jianghe City map and focused on a highlighted area near the city outskirts.

That location was where the individuals who once hired mercenaries to raid his hydroponic farm resided.

Needing a real-world test for the mech's performance, Su Wu decided to pay them a visit.

Half an hour later, Su Wu maneuvered the mech out of a now-destroyed shelter.

Blue electric arcs occasionally flickered around the mech's frame, remnants of the electromagnetic shield's activation.

The operation began smoothly. Using the energy blade cutter, Su Wu violently breached the shelter's metal gates, storming through its defenses unopposed until reaching the core area.

Unexpectedly, despite housing fewer than ten people, the shelter was rigged with a powerful bomb. When they realized defeat was inevitable, the shelter's inhabitants triggered the explosive in a desperate attempt at mutual destruction.

Naturally, the result was predictable. The shelter's occupants were annihilated, while Su Wu emerged unscathed.

"To withstand the blast's impact, the electromagnetic shield drained 40% of the mech's power reserves."

"This not only tested the weaponry but also revealed the mech's defensive limits."

Despite achieving victory, Su Wu's mood was far from celebratory.

If such resistance strained the mech, what would happen when facing a naturally destructive force of even greater magnitude?

After all, Su Wu had created the mech not for human confrontations but as a lifeline against disasters—a last resort in desperate circumstances.

In a world devastated by the apocalypse, human civilization was but a pitiful remnant struggling to survive.

"One must maintain a sense of reverence."

Standing at the ruined shelter's entrance, Su Wu lingered, contemplating.

The initial exhilaration brought by the mech had caused a subtle swelling of arrogance, which was now beginning to subside. At its core, the mech was merely a survival tool.

To endure and thrive in the apocalypse, brute strength alone wouldn't suffice. Progress hinged on returning to the foundation: constructing and improving the shelter.

"With this mech, basic personal safety is no longer a concern."

"Even if the upcoming radiation disaster strikes directly overhead, I can pilot the mech and escape to safety, ready to rebuild elsewhere."

"With the immediate risks mitigated, it's time to channel every remaining resource into expanding the shelter."

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