Chapter 58: Hopeless

Alexander and the others, driven by desperation, surrounded Phoenix's house, attempting to break through its walls. They toiled tirelessly through the morning, but their efforts were in vain against the formidable 20cm thick steel plates shielding the house. The insurmountable barrier felt like a nightmare to them. With only human labor and under extreme cold, there was no hope of breaching these defenses. Their energy waned rapidly, and many collapsed from exhaustion, their hunger pangs echoing in the silent air.

The dire situation led some to glance at their neighbors with a dark thought crossing their minds – the idea of cannibalism. This horrifying thought sent chills down their spines, but in their desperate state, it lingered as a gruesome option. They knew, deep down, if things got worse, unimaginable acts could become a grim reality.

Sun, dealing with his worsening wound and lack of medical supplies, was consumed by despair and resentment towards Phoenix. "How can you live alone while so many of us suffer? What's wrong with sacrificing yourself?" Sun roared in agony, his mind twisted by the dire circumstances.

In the midst of this, a neighbor of Phoenix suggested targeting the balcony. The floor-to-ceiling glass window, they pointed out, might be a potential vulnerability. This glimmer of hope spurred the group into action. They broke into the house next to Phoenix's and made their way to his balcony. Despite the harsh outdoor conditions, their determination to enter Phoenix's abode was unyielding.

Phoenix, observing the scene, remained calm and composed inside his warm, comfortable home. He lounged by the window, sipping coffee as the desperate group outside attempted to break the bulletproof glass of his balcony. Their faces, pale and contorted with madness, struck him as reminiscent of a zombie apocalypse.

The neighbors' futile efforts to smash through the glass were driven by the stark contrast they saw – Phoenix comfortably enjoying his lavish supplies, while they suffered in the freezing cold. Their crazed attempts to break in only led to injuries and blood, which quickly congealed in the cold.

As Phoenix looked on, he felt a mixture of emotions. He admired their determination but was struck by the tragic desperation of their actions. He casually enjoyed more snacks, a stark contrast to the dire situation unfolding outside.

The neighbors' attempts to break the bulletproof glass were in vain. The glass, designed to withstand even cannonball impacts, stood firm against their relentless assault. The realization that it was bulletproof sunk in, filling them with despair. Despite their fervent efforts and cries of defiance, the glass remained unscathed, a clear but unyielding barrier between them and the comforts within Phoenix's home.

The sight of Phoenix's luxurious lifestyle, visible through the intact glass, only fueled their frenzy. The contrast was stark: Phoenix, relaxed in the warmth of his fireplace, sipping coffee, surrounded by an abundance of food, while they battled the cold and hunger on the balcony. The neighbors, driven to the brink of madness by their situation, continued to pound against the glass with all their might, but to no avail.

Phoenix, observing this display, felt a sense of surreal detachment. He applauded their tenacity, yet the scene was a poignant reminder of the depths of human desperation. In response to his growing hunger, Phoenix casually retrieved more delicacies from his space, enjoying the comfort and security his foresight had provided.

As the day progressed, the grim reality of their situation became apparent to the neighbors. Their energy diminished, their hopes shattered against the impervious glass. The group, once united in their desperate attempt to invade Phoenix's sanctuary, began to disperse, each grappling with the harsh truth of their dire circumstances.

In his fortress, Phoenix continued to watch the unfolding events, a solemn reminder of the lengths people would go to for survival. His preparations, once seen as excessive, now stood as a testament to his foresight and preparedness in a world where the rules of civilization had crumbled under the weight of desperation and despair.