Apocalypse: Transmigrated with an Overlord System
Chapter 168: Trust the Terminal, Fear the Wild

Chapter 168: Chapter 168: Trust the Terminal, Fear the Wild

As they discussed and poked at the mutant turtle meat in their bowl and muttered if it could really be eaten, they had actually never thought to eat it because they had always had a food supply. They were not short of food.

"It smells... pretty good?" Shen Haoran pinched the soup bowl, slightly surprised.

"Is this the meat of the mutant?" Zhao Ren took a bite, and an incredulous look appeared in his eyes. "...It’s even more tender than the canned meat?"

"Well, it tastes good." Yun Shou put down the spoon and turned to look at Liora. "But is this thing really edible?"

Liora smiled slightly and explained in a calm voice. She was also concerned with this matter when she found out some survivors were exchanging mutant meat.

"The cafeteria terminal of the base has a purification module. Any edible substance will be detoxified, decontaminated, and de-parasitic after passing the system detection, and finally sent to the kitchen." She showed all this information on the terminal to show that she found this knowledge on the terminal.

"As long as it has been processed by this terminal, it can be eaten safely. But if you eat it raw... or roast it in the wild..."

She paused and looked at everyone. "At the mildest, it will cause nausea and vomiting, and at the worst, it will cause chronic neurasthenia. Accumulation of pollutants will also affect the activity of supernatural powers."

"I see..." Mei suddenly realized. "I have seen a resident with chronic diarrhea before. Is this the reason?"

"It is very likely." Liora nodded. "So it is right for us to go out and find ingredients, but remember, don’t eat it directly."

These words were not only remembered by them.

Several residents who were eavesdropping not far away were stunned.

"Damn... We grilled it several times before. No wonder I’ve been feeling dizzy lately."

"Stop talking. I have to go to the cafeteria terminal to exchange meat, and not a single piece of meat that can be purified can be wasted..."

Everyone sat in a circle again, looking at the terminal. Their expressions were no longer as heavy as before.

"Although the situation is still not easy," Zhao Ren said in a deep voice, "but at least we have a direction and ability."

"Plants, vegetables or wild foods, herbs, rare materials, meat— all of these can be exchanged for points," Ji Ming added, "and after that, we can pay the rent or use it in the canteen or convenience store."

"From today on, we are not survivors who are ’waiting to survive’." Liora’s eyes were bright. "We are builders who take the initiative to develop the base and survive for ourselves."

For a moment, everyone’s blood was boiling.

The residents further away were also whispering, their eyes no longer filled with envy, but with a hint of:

"We can also go outside and try..."

~~~

The third iron gate of the base opened for the first time in a few days, making a slight creaking sound and slowly sliding into the metal wall. Outside the door, the dense forest was like a sleeping giant, and the shadows swallowed the afternoon sun. The trees swayed gently in the wind, and the air was filled with the smell of soil, decay, and a hint of humidity.

For the survivors standing at the door, this was not just a wilderness. It was an opportunity, a risk, and a symbol of hope.

Liora stood in front of the team with a calm expression, her eyes scanning the surroundings like a hawk. Her eyes flashed with determination and wisdom, as if she could see through everything.

Mei Yi stood beside her, adjusting the straps of her backpack, which was full of some simple tools.

Shen Haoran checked the blade on his back with skillful and quick movements.

Zhao Ren gently nudged Yun Shou with his elbow, who responded with a whispered curse.

Little Ellie clutched Liora’s coat tightly, his eyes full of fearful excitement.

They were not alone.

Behind them, more than two dozen survivors were scattered around. Some carried homemade weapons, and some carried patched old backpacks on their shoulders. Most were silent, with uncertainty and anxiety written all over their faces. However, they were not weak.

In this doomsday, everyone who can survive until now has some ability, a skill, or a will to survive. They may not be as strong as Liora’s team, but no one is incompetent.

"Look at them," Zhao Ren whispered, his eyes sweeping across the team behind him, "all pretending to walk here casually."

"They want to follow us." Mei Yi responded softly. "They know we are well prepared."

Liora looked back but didn’t speak. She didn’t accuse or invite. If they wanted to follow, let them follow. But she wouldn’t take care of anyone.

"Let’s go now," Liora said clearly, her voice piercing the silence of the forest. "If you choose to follow, remember this— don’t get in our way, don’t mess up, don’t put anyone in danger. We won’t stop you, but if you get us in trouble—" her eyes were as sharp as a knife, "you’ll regret it."

No one responded, but a few people quickly lowered their heads, pretending to concentrate on lacing their shoes or adjusting their backpacks. Others, who were bolder, nodded slightly to show their understanding. Liora didn’t need their answers. She just needed them to understand.

They passed through the iron gate.

The terrain changed rapidly. The air here was more humid, full of the sounds of life and decay. Mutant insects buzzed, leaves rustled, and some kind of low roar came from the distance.

Eli grabbed Liora’s sleeve tightly. "It smells different."

"This is the smell of mutant beast." Shen Haoran didn’t look back, his voice was calm. "You’ll get used to it."

They soon stopped in front of a fork in the road. There were no signs here, only tangled roots and twisted vines, and the rustling of some creature in the depths.

"Let’s split up," Liora said.

"Understood." Yun Shou nodded. "We’ll go west."

"Mei Yi, Liang Zihan, and I will go southeast," Shen Haoran said, raising his chin slightly.

"I’ll go with you, Aunt Liora!" Eli immediately grabbed her arm tightly.

Liora smiled and stroked his head. "Of course. Then we’ll go north."