Chapter 35: Unlikely Encounter
Adam settled into his makeshift camp up in the tree, feeling a sense of security amidst the constant earthquakes. He took a moment to check his status and allocate his free points.
Status
Name: Adam Holt
Class: Warrior Common - Level 18
Occupation: Formation Apprentice (Rare) - level 1
Race: Human – LVL 5
Titles: Trailblazer, Bloodline Paragon, Giant Slayer, Dungeon Vanquisher I, Trailblazer of the Unknown
Health Points (HP): 1,340/1,340
Mana Points (MP): 830/830
Stamina: 1,040/1,040
Stats
Strength: 36
Agility: 36
Constitution:35
Endurance: 35
Vitality: 36
Wisdom: 27
Intelligence: 26
Perception: 39
Free points: 5
Skill Upgrade Points: +2
Abilities: [Basic one-handed weapon mastery (inferior quality) - Level 6], [Greater sword master (rare) - Level 3], [Power Strike (inferior) - Level 2], [Superior Endurance(inferior) - Level 4], [Identify - Level 3]
Bloodline: [Bloodline of Feral Fury (Bloodline Ability - Unique)]
Adam pondered over his options, considering the areas where he could further enhance his abilities. After careful consideration, he decided to allocate his free points as follows:
+2 points to Strength
+1 point to Agility
+1 point to Vitality
+1 point to Constitution
Satisfied with his choices, he updated his status and prepared himself for a well-deserved rest in the safety of the tree.
The next morning, Adam woke up early, feeling the urgency to find a water source as he had run out of water. He climbed down from the tree branch and switched on his phone, relieved to see that it still had around 69% battery remaining. Utilizing the offline map, he estimated his location and searched for nearby lakes or water sources. A potential option appeared just a few short miles away.
Adam chose his direction and began his trek through the woods, traversing hills and valleys. As he approached the lake, his attention was drawn to a nearby road in disarray. One car had suffered the weight of a fallen tree, its hood crushed beneath it. Adam surmised that the accident had likely occurred two days ago, coinciding with the system's arrival.
Curiosity compelled him to check the car for any survivors. However, he held little hope after the passage of two days. He knew that if anyone had survived the accident, they would likely have moved on by now.
In the early morning hours, with the sun just beginning to rise on the horizon, Adam cautiously descended the hill toward the car. To his astonishment, he spotted a woman, appearing to be in her late twenties or early thirties, asleep in the backseat. Cradled in her arms was a young girl, approximately eight to ten years old.
Adam found himself in an awkward and peculiar predicament. He hesitated to wake the passenger up and offer assistance, considering how unsettling it would be to be roused from sleep in the woods by a stranger wearing leather armor and jeans, especially after the recent upheaval of the apocalypse.
Deciding to prioritize his own needs, Adam made his way to the lake in search of water. As he approached, he noticed a massive bug, approximately two meters in size, skimming across the water's surface. On closer inspection, he identified it as a giant Water Strider.
"What the heck? How did that creature grow so large? I wish I could use Identify from this distance to know its level. It could provide some valuable experience points," Adam exclaimed aloud, intrigued by the peculiar sight. However, he chose to ignore the bug and focused on his task of reaching the lake.
Upon reaching the lake, Adam realized he could only drink the water directly after purifying it. He retrieved a large pot from his storage and a water bottle. He constructed a makeshift water purifier using sand and stones from the lake. Diligently, he purified as much water as possible, pouring it into the pot. He then started a fire and began boiling the water, unwilling to take any chances with potential viruses and germs that may have evolved after the system's arrival.
Once the water reached a boiling point, Adam moved the pot aside and cooked breakfast using some wolf meat. This time, he prepared a larger portion, anticipating the possibility that the individuals in the car might wake up and require sustenance.
As the enticing aroma of the cooked meat wafted through the air, the water strider caught wind of it and swiftly changed course, heading towards the shore with remarkable speed. Adam quickly assessed the beast's level, feeling somewhat disappointed to discover it was merely a level 10 bug. While impressive considering the short time since the apocalypse, it posed little challenge for Adam.
Drawing his sword, Adam quickly dispatched the giant bug, swiftly ending its advance. He then settled down by the fire, patiently awaiting any signs of activity from the car.
Before long, Adam detected the distinct sound of a car door being opened, followed by the shuffling of someone stepping out. As his gaze shifted towards the vehicle, he observed the woman emerging from the car, still clutching the drowsy little girl. Adam immediately endeavored to present himself as approachable and friendly, raising his hand in a welcoming wave.
"Hello there!" Adam greeted with a warm smile, channeling his inner Obi-Wan Kenobi.
The woman paused for a moment, her expression a mixture of surprise and cautious curiosity. She glanced at Adam, assessing him with a hint of apprehension before finally returning the gesture with a tentative wave.
"Um, hi," she responded, her voice filled with a mix of weariness and relief. "I didn't expect to see anyone out here. Are you... are you alone?"
Adam nodded, maintaining his friendly demeanor. "Yeah, just me. Came across your car and thought I'd check if anyone needed help. Looks like you've been here for a while. Are you okay?"
The woman approached cautiously, the little girl still in her arms. "We've been stranded here since the accident," she explained, her voice tinged with fatigue. "We've been waiting for someone to come by, but it seemed like everyone had disappeared. Who are you?"
Adam extended a hand in introduction. "I'm Adam. Nice to meet you. I've been traveling on foot, trying to find my way back to the city. Looks like we're all in a bit of a predicament here. Do you need any assistance? I've got some food and water."
The woman's eyes lit up at the mention of food. "That would be amazing. We've been surviving on what little we had in the car, but it's running out. Thank you so much."
Adam quickly retrieved the cooked wolf meat he had prepared earlier, placing it on a makeshift plate. He handed it to the woman, who gratefully accepted it and began to feed the hungry little girl.
As they sat by the fire, sharing the meal, Adam learned that the woman's name was Rebecca, and her daughter was named Sophia. They had been on their way to visit family when the system arrived, causing the chaotic car accident that left them stranded. Rebecca expressed her gratitude for Adam's timely arrival, acknowledging that their chances of survival were growing slim.
"I don't know what happened to the world, but I'm grateful we're not alone anymore," Rebecca said, her voice filled with vulnerability and determination. "We must find a way to make it through all of this."
"You're right," Adam agreed. "Do you have anyone back in Boston?"
Rebecca nodded. "Yes, my ex and my ex-in-laws live there. I'm on good terms with them, so I can reach out to them for help. Besides them, I have an aunt who lives in New York. That's where we were originally heading."
"Alright, I'm on my way back to Boston. You can come with me if you feel comfortable," Adam offered.
Rebecca's face lit up with gratitude as she agreed.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone