Chapter 47: Tetanus

As the crisis in building 25 intensified, the residents began to notice something unusual about Phoenix. While everyone else was struggling with scarcity and the bitter cold, Phoenix seemed well-prepared, almost as if he had anticipated the catastrophic snowstorm. His well-stocked supplies, warm clothing, and the installation of a fireplace in his apartment, particularly unusual in Solstice City, raised suspicions.

Peng, harboring a personal grudge against Phoenix, didn't miss a chance to malign him. "If Phoenix knew about the snowstorm, why didn't he warn us? He's more despicable for keeping this to himself!" Peng spat, fuming with indignation.

Annie and the others, however, were more pragmatic in their view. They understood that in such dire circumstances, everyone's first instinct would be self-preservation.

The discussion then shifted to their next steps. "What should we do now? We can't pry the door open, and a direct assault seems futile," Annie pondered, looking to Peng, Sun, and Liang for ideas. These men were considered the main force in any potential physical confrontation.

After regrouping and strategizing, they returned with a thick wooden beam, possibly dislodged from a bed frame. Women armed with umbrellas stood guard, ready to counter any defensive moves from Phoenix. The men heaved the beam against Phoenix's door with all their might, but the door, fortified like a bank vault, stood unyielding.

Inside, Phoenix watched the futile attempts with amusement. His security system provided real-time updates, and he was prepared to act if necessary. However, Sun and the others quickly realized the futility of their efforts. "How can this door be so strong? It's like a bank vault!" they exclaimed in frustration and despair.

Phoenix, assured of his safe house's security, decided it was time to teach them a lesson. He prepared a set of rust-covered crossbow arrows, a dangerous weapon in these times where medical treatment was scarce. A mere scratch could lead to tetanus and a slow, painful death.

From his vantage point, Phoenix aimed and fired the crossbow. The screams of pain from below confirmed his hits. Avoiding lethal shots, he targeted their arms and legs, ensuring a slow and agonizing outcome for the attackers.

The attackers, realizing the gravity of their situation, scrambled in panic. Despite their attempts to escape, several were hit. Phoenix, though, refrained from pursuing them further. He understood the risk of even the slightest injury in these perilous times and chose to remain safely within his fortress.

The aftermath was grim. One of their group lay dead, and others were seriously injured by the crossbow bolts. Their plan to take over Phoenix's apartment had backfired disastrously. They retreated in disarray, leaving behind a scene of chaos and pain.

Phoenix, back in the comfort of his home, contemplated the long-term sustainability of his defense. He had ample crossbow and bow arrows, but retrieving them was not an option. Scouring his foreign space, he found an alternative: marbles and other metal items that could be modified for use as ammunition.

Content with his newfound solution, Phoenix relaxed, knowing he had enough resources to last. Meanwhile, Mira and her group faced the harsh reality of their failure. Their attempt to overpower Phoenix had not only resulted in casualties but had also shattered their illusion of easily gaining access to his supplies.

In the end, they couldn't even gather the courage to retrieve Jack's body, a stark reminder of the brutal new world they were living in and the ruthless efficiency of Phoenix's defenses.