Apocalypse: Transmigrated with an Overlord System
Chapter 63: Exploring the Base Market

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: Exploring the Base Market

Liora and her group stepped out of their cramped apartment after finishing a simple breakfast. They had discussed their plans earlier, and one thing was clear, they needed more points. Their remaining 700 EUs were barely enough to scrape by, let alone secure a better life.

Looking at that pitiful amount, Liora could hardly imagine how they had survived in the past. The prices in this base were outrageously high, as if the entire system was designed to crush the weak. Food, medicine, even basic necessities—everything came at a cost that seemed impossible for ordinary people to afford.

It was not just about survival anymore. The strong thrived while the weak struggled to breathe. People were like scavengers, always ready to snatch away whatever they could from those weaker than them. There was no kindness here, no hesitation in taking advantage of others.

But Liora did not blame them. This was just how the world worked now. If people stopped to care about others, they would not last long themselves. Survival came first, everything else came second. In the end, it all came down to one thing—power and wealth. The stronger and richer you were, the safer your life would be.

And soon, Liora would have both.

She could not wait to explore the base market. She found out from Zhou Yinuo that every base has a small market where people could buy daily necessities with EUs or exchange them with crystals, but hardly anyone wanted to exchange them with crystals because they simply did not have enough.

Liora scanned the streets as they walked, taking in the faces of those around her. The base did not seem to have many awakeners. Most of the people here were ordinary humans, struggling to survive under the harsh rule of those in power.

They were treated no better than slaves, forced into labor for a few measly points, while the awakeners clung desperately to whatever strength they had. Yet, even among them, she noticed something—hardly any had advanced to a higher level.

Was it truly that difficult to grow stronger? Or were they simply too weak-willed to push themselves forward?

Liora believed it was the latter. If someone truly wanted power, there was nothing in this world that could stop them from chasing it. Those who remained stagnant had only themselves to blame.

Then there was him.

Xu Kai.

Liora shuddered as his face flashed in her mind—his sharp gaze, the kind that could pierce straight through a person’s soul. It was not just his presence that unsettled her but the sheer pressure of his aura. It was suffocating and overwhelming. There was no way he was just an ordinary awakener. Afterall no human is capable of holding that much power and aura.

No ordinary human could possess that kind of strength.

If someone like him could advance to such a level, then so could others.

So why had no one else?

Soon the wave of processed food mixed with the scent of old leather and metal hit her. Liora and the others reached the entrance of the base market.

The base, despite its rough and worn-down appearance, had its own organized system. There were a set of rules imposed on every citizen residing in the base. There was heavy patrol around the base entrance and market.

But Liora felt it was more like they were here to intimidate the people instead of protecting them.

"We should focus on gear this time," Zhou Yinuo suggested, eyeing a stand selling reinforced boots. "If we’re going to take on longer missions, proper footwear is a must."

Liang Zihan picked up a pair of sturdy boots, inspecting the soles. "These look decent enough. No way in hell am I walking around in those old shoes again. My feet almost became injured."

"How much is it for?" Zhou Yinuo asked the old man selling boots. The man was sitting on the side of the pathway with a cloth spread in front of him, displaying five to six pairs of boots.

His face was haggard from hunger and overwork in the base. They could guess he must be slaving in the base as he was too old to go outside and hunt zombies.

Those who were old and young preferred to stay in the base and do manual labor in the official’s houses for a few points.

"Just 50 EUs. Take this, this is new... My son worked in the factory before, and he left quite a few pairs for me to sell. You won’t find cheaper boots in the entire base.

I ran out of base points, so my only option is to sell them at lower prices," the old man added with a smile, but his smile held pain.

Zhou Yinuo glanced at Liora before nodding at the old man. "Fifty EUs is fair. We’ll take two pairs."

The old man’s eyes lit up with gratitude as he quickly reached for the boots. "Good choice, young ones. These will last you a long time," he said, his voice carrying both relief and exhaustion.

Liang Zihan took one of the pairs and tested the fit. "Not bad. A little stiff, but I’ll break them in." He stomped his foot lightly, satisfied with the sturdy build.

Liora, meanwhile, didn’t bother picking up a pair. Her boots were still in good condition, and she had no interest in spending EUs on something unnecessary. Zhou Yinuo also shook her head when the old man glanced at her.

"We only need two pairs," Zhou Yinuo confirmed, handing over the 100 EUs.

The old man clutched the points with trembling hands. "Thank you. Truly, thank you. My family will be able to eat today." He bowed slightly, his frail frame making the gesture seem even more pitiful.

Liora didn’t reply, but her gaze lingered on the man for a moment before she turned away. Survival in this world was brutal, but she didn’t have time to dwell on it.

They continued through the market, weaving through makeshift stalls and vendor carts. Most items were either secondhand or low quality, but they managed to buy a few essentials—bandages, basic medicines, and other necessities for their missions.

As they moved past a stall selling weapons, Liora’s mind was elsewhere.

She had something more important to do.

After some time exploring, she stopped in her tracks. "I need to split up for a bit," she announced.

Zhou Yinuo and Liang Zihan turned to her with questioning eyes. "Why?" Zhou Yinuo asked, narrowing her gaze.

Liora smiled mischievously. "I have something to take care of. Don’t worry, I’m not running away."

Liang Zihan snorted. "You better not. You still owe me for covering your share of the bandages."

Liora rolled her eyes and waved a hand dismissively. "I’ll meet you both in an hour."

They exchanged glances but nodded, letting her go.