novelraw Chapter 8: New optimized paths and traps in the hideout
Chapter 8: New optimized paths and traps in the hideout
Ding... High-value supplies discovered!
A new optimization path for shelter facilities has been discovered. Would you like to add this optimization path to the ventilation duct construction list?
Huh?
Yu Yuan took the item from the drawer, looking completely bewildered.
What could possibly trigger a special system notification about a new optimization path?
When he saw what was in his hand, a look of surprise crossed his face.
"This is... a blueprint?"
But there was no time to examine it closely, so he stuffed it into his backpack first.
With that, all the supplies in Room 503 had been collected by Yu Yuan. After checking one more time for anything missed, his gaze fell upon the curtains.
Such a large piece of fabric would be excellent material, whether for covering or cutting.Just as he was about to make his move...
Clatter clatter...
The sound of a rolling soda can echoed in the hallway. A sharp glint flashed in Yu Yuan's eyes.
Someone's coming! And they're here so quickly.
He carefully approached the door, pressing his ear against it to listen.
"Key... Key... are you there?" A deliberately hushed voice came from the stairwell—it was that Monkey guy.
"Key... Key..."
"Key..." Monkey was about to continue when Biao Ge cut him off.
"Enough, he's probably upstairs. Let's go check..."
"Alright!"
Their voices faded away. Yu Yuan narrowed his eyes, his gaze shifting uncertainly as he stared at the door as if trying to see through it. Various thoughts raced through his mind.
They went upstairs.
Then isn't this the perfect opportunity to leave!
Otherwise, when they can't find Key, they'll definitely come back searching. There's still blood at the doorway—they'll spot the problem immediately.
His deliberation lasted only a few seconds before Yu Yuan immediately reached a decision.
He slung the backpack securely over his shoulders, positioned the cross-body bag in front with shortened straps to ensure it wouldn't hinder his movement or running.
He took out the folding crossbow and bolts from his waist, loading the crossbow. The kukri was secured on his outer thigh—the most accessible position for immediate use.
With everything prepared, he carefully opened the door, crossbow leading the way, moving with steady yet rapid footsteps toward the stairwell.
Escaping now, withdrawing fully loaded without injury—this was the best possible outcome!
As long as he could leave Wutong Apartments, the dark night would give him freedom. In such a massive city, finding him would be practically impossible.
No matter how he thought about it, leaving now was the optimal choice. Hesitation would only lead to defeat. Once those two came to their senses, it would come down to real combat.
Biao Ge's group only had a few supplies—why would he risk his life fighting some lowlife scum?
When risk outweighs reward, a fat withdrawal is the way to go!
For this operation, it was sixty-forty odds—advantage was on his side!
Reaching the stairwell, the staircase passage was pitch black.
The dim light vision from his title allowed Yu Yuan to vaguely make out the staircase contours even in the complete darkness.
After listening for a few seconds, the stairwell remained oppressively quiet. Yu Yuan frowned slightly.
"This shouldn't be right! Those two went upstairs looking for someone—there should be some noise."
A bad feeling flashed through his mind. Getting away quickly was paramount!
Without further hesitation, he minimized his footsteps as he moved toward the stairs, while keeping his crossbow aimed toward the sixth-floor staircase direction in case the two suddenly appeared.
Although he had only practiced a few times at the shelter, firing the crossbow was simple. Yu Yuan felt confident he could hit any target within five meters!
He had only taken a couple of steps down the stairs when...
Snap...
A flashlight beam lit up from the stairwell corner between the fourth and fifth floors, instantly illuminating the staircase passage as bright as day.
Monkey looked at Yu Yuan, his lips curling into a brutal, vicious grin:
"Biao Ge, this bastard actually came out... let's get him..."
The moment the flashlight beam hit him, Yu Yuan realized with shock that he had completely forgotten about potential threats from below.
Fortunately, Yu Yuan had already mentally prepared escape strategies for worst-case scenarios.
Therefore, the instant Monkey cried out, the folding crossbow that had been aimed upward immediately swung around to target downstairs.
When Monkey saw the crossbow, the brutality and ferocity in his eyes instantly cleared, replaced by pure terror before it could even fully form. All he managed to utter was: "Shi..."
Thump—whoosh—thud!
Without giving him any chance to react, the crossbow bolt had already pierced through Monkey's throat, blood spraying everywhere.
Monkey clutched his neck, staring at Yu Yuan in disbelief as he collapsed to the ground.
Meanwhile, the moment Yu Yuan fired the bolt, he transferred the crossbow to his left hand while his right hand already gripped the kukri, his eyes turning toward the sixth floor.
But when Yu Yuan saw the weapon in Biao Ge's hands, his pupils abruptly contracted, scalp tingling with terror.
Without a second thought, as if he'd seen a ghost, he turned and leaped down the stairs without the slightest hesitation.
Bang...
While still in mid-air, Yu Yuan felt a tremendous impact on his back, causing him to stumble as he landed on the stairs, nearly falling.
But he didn't dare stop at all, scrambling down using both hands and feet, half-running half-tumbling downward.
Bang... bang bang...
Continuous gunshots echoed through the stairwell.
"Damn your mother! He actually has a gun—no martial virtue!" Yu Yuan felt death brushing past him, adrenaline constantly stimulating his cerebral cortex, his entire body tingling with numbness.
Fortunately, Yu Yuan had reacted quickly and dealt with Monkey decisively, buying himself a slim chance at survival.
Although it seemed like he'd been shot in the back, he didn't feel any pain—probably fine.
Yu Yuan's mind raced. Biao Ge having a gun was something he hadn't anticipated.
From behind came Biao Ge's furious roars and the sound of running pursuit. The distance wasn't far—at most ten meters.
His original plan was no longer feasible. If he tried to flee directly, exposing his back to Biao Ge at this distance, he'd be nothing more than a living target.
"No good, can't give Biao Ge my back. The risk factor is too high. What to do, what to do?"
Although only a second had passed,
to Yu Yuan it felt like an eternity. Under the threat of death, his mind instead grew calmer and more rational.
Thump...
His body leaped down the stairs, reaching the fourth floor.
And right at that moment, Yu Yuan's breath caught as a bold idea emerged.
Behind him came the sound of Biao Ge jumping down the stairs. Without time to think, Yu Yuan changed direction and charged into the fourth-floor hallway.
Bang bang...
Two bullets grazed past his body, hitting the wall. He could feel the flying debris.
"Damn it! Let's see where you run now..." Biao Ge's furious voice came from behind.
The deaths of Key and Monkey had driven him to lose all reason. Losing two helpers in this post-apocalyptic world was practically a nightmare.
But what concerned Biao Ge most was what he'd seen during their brief encounter—the person's backpack, bulging and full, clearly packed with supplies.
Whatever supplies they were, Biao Ge had only one thought: seize them.
As for the person? Just kill him.