READ NOVEL ONLINE Chapter 5: Rising Tensions
Xiang Yue woke hours later in her quarters, the soft glow of the sanctuary's lights casting a warm ambiance. Her body ached, but the worst of the fatigue had passed. She sat up slowly, her mind already turning to her next steps.
The system chimed softly:
**"Energy Points sufficient for sanctuary upgrades. Options available:
1. Expand territory: Unlock 5 km additional safe zone.
2. Defensive upgrade: Create automated turrets for sanctuary perimeter.
3. Advanced facility: Unlock Resource Workshop for crafting and repairs."**
Xiang Yue considered the options carefully. Expanding the safe zone would allow her to rescue more survivors, but defenses were just as critical. And the Resource Workshop could make the sanctuary more self-sufficient.
"Show me more details about the Resource Workshop," she said aloud.
The system displayed an image of a sleek, futuristic building filled with equipment for crafting weapons, repairing damaged items, and even developing new technology. It required 30 Energy Points—most of what she had.
But it was worth it.
"Upgrade the sanctuary. Build the Resource Workshop," she commanded.
The ground in the sanctuary's central plaza shimmered, and the new facility began to materialize. Survivors gathered to watch as the sleek structure took shape, their expressions a mix of awe and curiosity.
"This place just keeps getting crazier," Zhang Wei muttered, crossing his arms. "What's next? A spaceship?"
Liu Yan shot him a warning look. "Show some respect. If not for Xiang Yue, we'd all be dead."
Zhang Wei sighed. "I know. It's just… hard to wrap my head around all this."
As the survivors talked among themselves, Xiang Yue emerged from her quarters. Her presence immediately silenced the group.
"The Resource Workshop is operational," she said. "It will allow us to craft weapons, tools, and other essentials. Zhang Wei, Liu Yan—I'll need you to manage it. Start by making sure everyone is properly equipped."
"Yes, Administrator," Liu Yan said with a nod.
Zhang Wei hesitated, then nodded as well. "Understood."
Later that evening, as the survivors worked in the new facility, Xiang Yue returned to the map displayed on her screen. The safe zone was still small, and the red dots on the map seemed to be multiplying.
But one dot caught her attention. It wasn't red or yellow—it was purple, glowing faintly on the edge of the map.
"What is that?" she asked.
"Unknown entity detected. Classification: Potential ally or threat. Investigation recommended."
Xiang Yue frowned. The system's vagueness was unusual, and it made her uneasy. Still, she couldn't ignore the possibility of discovering something—or someone—who could help her.
She stared at the map, her mind racing. The sanctuary was growing, but so were the challenges. And now, with this new anomaly, it felt as though the world was shifting yet again.
"Liu Yan," she called out.
He appeared moments later, his expression serious. "Yes?"
"Prepare to accompany me tomorrow. We're going to investigate something."
His eyes widened slightly, but he nodded. "Understood."
As Xiang Yue stared at the map, she couldn't shake the feeling that this new discovery would change everything.