Packing my things

I gaze at the screen before speaking. "I see that [Observation] can be upgraded. What is the ranking system?" A ding rang.

[Beginner, Novice, Apprentice, Expert, and Master. 50xp to advance to Novice, 100xp to Apprentice, 300xp to Expert, 600xp to Master, and a whooping 1200xp to fully mastered Master.]

"I see. What about the zombie kill count? And cut out that dinging."

[To gain perks, the host must kill zombies. For your first perk, you must kill a hundred zombies. After that plus a hundred for each perk.]

'A hundred.' I thought, contemplating how I was going to kill a hundred zombies. I guess if I find a grenade somewhere I would be able to get a perk. Maybe in Atlanta, I could find some lying around, but I'm not ready to risk my life yet.

I eyed the skill [Observation] before looking around the room and concentrating. The blue screen able above the items, getting a description of it.

[Wall to the foyer]

[Old Candle. Is a month old from recommended use.]

[Door to the outside world.]

It wasn't much, however, I could see it becoming more useful in the future, especially since it's in beginner.

[Skill Observation has leveled up to Novice]

Nevermind.

"System, what has changed?" I asked, wondering of any difference.

[Beginner Observation allows the host to view information on items, plants, animals, and people/zombies. Novice Observation allows the host a more detailed analysis. It can be used on items to gain more information about their interactions, making it good for tracking. It also determined the threat level of people, zombies, animals, and any other objects the host comes in contact with.]

'Neat.' I thought, looking at the three objects from before.

[Wall to the foyer]: good condition, wallpaper won't need change for 8 years. Provides a good position against the door, and its two openings can be used as a cover.

[Old Candle]: This is a month old from recommended use. Its faint scent of vanilla suggests it was used for comfort in the past. It might come in handy as a makeshift light source when needed.

[Door to the outside world]: Sturdy and reinforced, offering a barrier of protection against potential threats. Could withstand several hits.

'Now that's an upgrade.' I thought, feeling great about the new features. Suddenly, the sound of a phone ringing enters my eyes. I instinctively walked to the kitchen where the phone was, remembering the memories of Lucas. And only one group of people calls me.

I put up the phone and raise it to my ears. "Hello?"

"Lucas! Do you hear what's going on? The government just issue a state-wide pandemic!" The hyper voice of my cousin, Ethan, enters my ears as he rambles. "Do you need a ride to Atlanta?"

"No!" I instantly shouted. "I mean no. Look. Don't go to Atlanta. It's not going to work there."

"What do you mean?"

"It's not safe. There's a quarry by it, meet me there ok? Avoid all highways and met me there."

"Lucas, calm down. What's happening?"

"Basically the end of the world as you know it today. Listen to me, Ethan. Stock up on a lot of food, get camping supplies, and get a gun. The things you see on tv are true. If you encounter one, do not hesitate to shoot."

"Lucas, what's wrong?!"

"ETHAN PLEASE! Just take my advice. Please trust me."

"Ok..."

[Perasusion Skill had been created.]

[Intimidation Skill had been created.]

I mentally thank the notification as I can push aside my concern. "Alright. I'm going to pack my stuff. Make sure Sarah and Emma have everything they need."

I hang up the call. Dread grew on my body as I remember we are currently undergoing a zombie apocalypse. I need to move. I rummage through the cabinets, collecting cans and pasta, and entered them into my inventory. It proves ineffective as the cans of different food can't be stacked.

Thinking quietly, I left the rest on the counter as I ran to my room. I grab my bag before emptying it. I ran back to the kitchen, noticing a notification.

[Sprinting Skill has been created]

I ignore it, packing the cans into the bag. I grab a plastic bag for the pasta and use my inventory for water bottles. I got lighter fluid, a flashlight, two knives and hammers, first aid and some painkillers, and isopropyl alcohol. I also got a bunch of clothes and other stuff.

I set my bags of things at the door before turning around. I walk turn my room and open a drawer in the corner. Inside was a key and I then use it to open the door to my grandparents. Opening it, I took a look around reminiscing.

I notice that I seem to care for the people Lucas loves. Feeling frightened by the talk with Ethan and feeling sad by the empty room.

It didn't feel bad, I just don't think I need to feel them. I'm an imposter after all. I headed towards a stuttered closet and open it. I look up eyeing a box on top. I push the boxes on top off before sliding it out. I open it and was revealed to a revolver, some ammo, and some kind of container.

[Grandpa's Single Action 6-round Revolver(Ruger Blackhawk .44 Magnum)]: Despite being shelved for a long time, due to the care of its previous owner it is in good condition. This Ruger packs a mean punch, effectively stopping any intruders. As it is a single-action revolver, the hammer must be manually cocked before each shot.

[Gun cleaning kit]: Use to clean gun. Contains oil, brushes, and rags.

I study the gun, its dark gray barrel and brown handle fitting to my hand. I remember when the old man used this to shoot a robber down in just one shot.

I grab the ammo before using [Observation].

[.44 Magnum ammo(12)]: is a commonly found bullet.]

Nice. I store the gun and ammo in my inventory and plan to leave the kit in my bags. I left the room but not before giving it one last glance. My eyes trail through the room before stopping on a dusty brown hat on a hook in the closet. I remember it was my grandpa's.

[Grandpa's hat]: The hat bears visible signs of wear, with faded and weathered areas after long use. The wide brim offers effective protection against the elements, providing shade from the scorching sun and light cover during rain showers.

'It would be useful.' I thought, grabbing it. I sat it on my head before heading towards the door. I grab the hanging keys and open the door. In the driveway, parked my Grandpa's car, a black and yellow Chevrolet Suburban.

[Black and yellow Chevrolet]: An old model of a two-door Chevrolet. The engine is provided with sufficient energy and good space. However top speed is limited, fuel efficiency is not up to par and technology is lacking. Parts of this model would be hard to find. Getting to the back may cost time.

It's a wreck, but I can't steal another one until a few days after shit goes down. I enter the car before popping the trunk, putting the bags inside. After setting all the stuff up, I went inside one last time, calling my cousins.

"Are you on the way?" I asked as soon as the phone pick up.

"Yes. We should be there in a few days." Ethan replied.

"Good. I'll be leaving soon. FYI the stay at the quarry is temporary. Please meet me there as soon as you can."

"We will."

"Ok." I hung up and made my way to the door, stopping at the foyer. I turn my head at the picture frame before snatching it.

I walk outside and lock the door before deciding against it. I enter the car and slowly pull out.

'Hope I don't get pulled over 'cause I don't have a license.'

[Driving Skill has been created]

[Driving Skill has leveled up]

I ignore the skill, keeping my eyes on the empty road. As the sidelines became a blur, I wonder what this world has in store for me. The group, the governor, the prison, in the upcoming years, I'll have to face these threats.

...

I'm kinda excited.

---------------

[ Name: Lucas Anderson (Previous) David Goans.]       [Age:17]

Lv0:(0/1)

Stats:

Strength:5

Agility:5

Endurance:5

Intelligence:5

Charisma:5

Combat skills:

Survival skills:

General Skills:

Observation-Novice(43/100)

Driving- Novice(6/100)

Sprinting-Beginner(49/50)

Persuasion-Beginner(3/50)

  Intimidate-Beginner(1/50)

Perks: Zombie kill counts(0)

None

Inventory: 10 slots

2x knifes

2x hammer

26x water bottles

1x first aid

4x painkillers

1x Ruger Blackhawk

12x .44 magnum ammo

Reputation:

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Word count: 1467

Hi. Felt energetic enough to write this chapter. I don't know if it's good, but it was fun to write. Going to try and update a different story before the next chapter.

Feedback is yearn for. I am very lonely.