Chapter 59: Didn't Eat?

The scene outside Phoenix's home was one of stark contrast and desperation. On one side of the glass window, Phoenix lay leisurely on a recliner, enjoying his food and drinks, while on the other, his neighbors struggled against the biting wind and snow, their expressions twisted with jealousy and rage. They hurled curses and threats at him, vowing to break the glass and seize his supplies.

Despite their efforts, the glass proved unbreakable, and the neighbors' desperation grew as they continued their futile attempts to smash through. Phoenix, observing their struggles, remained nonchalant, sipping his coffee and encouraging them mockingly. The neighbors, worn down by the harsh weather and their own exertions, grew increasingly desperate.

As time passed, their situation grew more dire. The cold and snow, combined with their lack of food, pushed them to their limits. But the sight of Phoenix's comfortable life, visible through the transparent glass, fueled their jealousy and refusal to give up.

Phoenix, sensing that it was time to act, picked up a bottle and ignited something inside it. The neighbors, initially mistaking it for a drink, were soon horrified to see Phoenix throw a flaming bottle towards them. The balcony, crowded with people, erupted into flames as the gasoline from the bottle spread rapidly.

The scene turned chaotic as the neighbors, engulfed in flames, screamed in agony. Their attempts to escape or extinguish the fire were futile. Some, in a last-ditch effort to save themselves, tried to climb to the neighboring balcony, only to fall from the 24th floor to their deaths.

Phoenix watched with a grim satisfaction as the situation unfolded. The burning neighbors, unable to escape the flames, either succumbed to the fire or chose to jump to their deaths. The remaining neighbors, witnessing this horrific scene, were paralyzed with fear and shock.

Meanwhile, the smell of burning flesh began to fill the air. A young man, driven by hunger, found the scent of the charred bodies strangely appetizing, reminiscent of barbecues from better times. This disturbing realization spread among the crowd, revealing the depths of their hunger and desperation.

Amidst this chaos, a woman, overcome with hunger and despair, ran to Phoenix's balcony and knelt, begging for food. She was soon followed by others, all pleading for mercy and a morsel of food. Their cries were heart-wrenching, a stark contrast to the comfortable scene inside Phoenix's home. Women, in particular, appealed to Phoenix's sense of sympathy, their sobs and pleas echoing against the cold glass that separated them from the warmth and abundance inside.

The desperation of the situation was palpable. The neighbors, who had spent the entire day attempting to breach Phoenix's fortress, were confronted with the reality of their failure. The deaths of so many, the unbreakable barriers of Phoenix's home, and the sight of his lavish lifestyle had driven them to the brink. Their initial rage and jealousy had given way to utter despair and a primal struggle for survival.

The sight of the charred bodies on the balcony, a grim reminder of their failed assault, evoked a disturbing sense of hunger in some. The taboo of cannibalism, once unthinkable, now lingered in their minds as a viable option for survival. The thin veneer of civilization had been stripped away, revealing the raw, desperate nature of human survival instinct.

Phoenix, watching from his safe haven, witnessed the breakdown of societal norms and the desperation that drove his neighbors to such extremes. His preparations, once deemed excessive, now served as his lifeline in a world where the rules of society had collapsed. The tragedy unfolding outside his window was a testament to the harsh realities of their new world – a world where survival trumped morality, and desperation could drive people to commit acts previously unimaginable.

In this new, unforgiving world, Phoenix stood as a solitary figure of preparedness and foresight. His fortress-like home, a beacon of safety and comfort, was a stark contrast to the despair and chaos outside. As he watched the desperate pleas and cries for help, Phoenix was reminded of the brutal truth of their situation – in a world where survival was the only rule, compassion and empathy were luxuries few could afford.