Chapter 24: The Boss

While James was pondering over taming wild beasts, he suddenly received a message in the "Mist Survival Handbook." It was from Nancy. 

Nancy: "James, you mentioned needing vines yesterday. I found some near my shelter today and will send them to you." Accompanying the message were dozens of green vines, as thick as a baby's arm.

James couldn't help but feel lucky; Nancy's vines were just what he needed, especially right after acquiring the beast trap. He accepted the vines, essential for making more traps. 

James thanked her: "I appreciate it. I was just worrying about lacking materials."

After a brief exchange of thanks, James sent 50 ml of spring water as a token of gratitude. He then asked about the state of her shelter: "Is your shelter still at level 2? How's your material collection going? Can you upgrade before the cold wave hits?"

Nancy hesitated before replying, "I have enough wood, but I'm short by more than 200 units of stone. It will be difficult to gather that much in the next couple of days."

Upgrading the shelter was indeed Nancy's biggest concern as the environment worsened and temperatures stayed below freezing. If she couldn't upgrade to a level 3 shelter soon, life would become much harder. 

James furrowed his brow and asked, "Is your pickaxe not good enough, or are there no stones around your shelter?"

Nancy explained, "Both. My shelter is in a swamp, where stones are scarce. Plus, my pickaxe is just of common quality."

James felt a bit helpless. Swamps were among the worst starting points: rainy, damp, causing rheumatism, and cold due to the high moisture content. Not to mention the danger of sinking into a quagmire. Compared to his starting point, Nancy's was much worse.

However, James thought for a moment and then asked, "Is the soil around your shelter fertile?"

"It's okay, quite loose, but the lack of sunlight here isn't great for most crops," Nancy replied.

James realized that swamp vegetation was rich, and the soil, mostly leaf mold, was a natural fertilizer. "Classmate, I'll gather the stones you need. Could you collect some soil for me in the next few days?"

"Collect soil?" Nancy was puzzled at first but soon understood James's request.

Many survivors sought to establish a stable food source through farming and breeding. They often bought soil, seeds, young animals, and more, even at high prices. Recently, a survivor had paid a lot for a pair of rabbits. Clearly, James was planning for the future.

"Sure, I'll collect fertile soil and trade it to you."

James confirmed, then added, "I'll treat you to a meal."

Nancy raised an eyebrow, "Old classmate, you seem quite wealthy to help me out like this!"

James replied with a half-smile, "Helping with work is like a labor contract. I provide meals but no lodging."

"Haha, okay, then you'll be my boss!"

In another level 2 shelter in the swamp, Nancy couldn't help but smile. She had been constantly on edge since arriving in the Mist World. Having an old acquaintance to talk to eased her stress. 

James didn't let his old classmate down. He traded 50 ml of spring water in the market for 200 units of stone and gave them to Nancy. 

"Upgrade your shelter first. From what I've observed, it's hard to survive the cold weather without a level 3 shelter," he reminded her.

Nancy replied with a smile, "Okay, boss. Thanks!"

This surprised James. He remembered Nancy from high school as serious and cold. It seemed the difficulties in the Mist World made people more open-hearted.

No one could stubbornly claim they could live well alone. Most ordinary people sought others when under fear and pressure.

James understood this well, having been terrified himself when he first arrived in the Mist World. He replied with a smile, "No thanks, employee. Work hard and collect a lot of fertile soil."

"Will do, boss!"

"..."

After chatting with Nancy, James felt much lighter.

Next, he browsed the trade market. The chat channel was too crowded, so he preferred the market.

As the cold wave approached, prices for warm clothing and food skyrocketed.

A cotton jacket cost over 300 stones, and a piece of bread, 100 stones or wood. The market was on the verge of collapse due to high demand and devaluation of wood and stone. 

For those who had reached level 3 shelters, wood and stone were less needed, reducing their value. But no matter how good the items, they couldn't beat the security of a full stomach. Food was scarce, so James aimed to acquire quality items with long-term benefits.

He soon spotted an item:

Name: Basement (Good) Function: A 20 square meter basement with a ventilation system. Description: A bit dark due to insufficient lighting.] This item could expand his shelter underground, offering better insulation and secrecy than above ground, though lighting would be an issue.

The price was in food and clothing, making James hesitate.

He wasn't keen on trading these vital resources, as the duration of the cold wave was uncertain. Eventually, he tentatively offered 100 ml of spring water but didn't get an immediate response. James continued browsing other items.