Chapter 4, The Storm

But in fact, this is the end of the world

After returning to the room, the black cat let out a satisfied low purr, then ran to the soft and clean bed nearby and closed its eyes. Meanwhile, Ferren sat on the adjacent sofa, placing the black suitcase he had been holding onto the coffee table. He then pressed the hidden lock on the suitcase, and with a soft "click," the lid sprang open. Under the illumination of the light, one could clearly see that inside this black leather suitcase were nearly one hundred dark green chips, each about the size of a bottle cap. They were neatly arranged in order within the compartments of the suitcase, and upon closer inspection, it could be observed that these chips emitted a faint glow.

However, conversely, obtaining these energy crystals is quite difficult, as they only condense and take shape on beings with powerful energy. This means that acquiring them is a very dangerous, time-consuming, and labor-intensive task. The wasteland is not short of hunters who specialize in hunting and collecting energy crystals, but the vast majority of them do not manage to return alive. The few fortunate hunters, however, become the primary targets for recruitment by various organizations and factions. Even if these hunters work together for a year, they are unlikely to obtain such a large number of energy crystals.

This world has already transformed into something entirely different. For those living here, this world has completely changed

Dada dada dada dada dada ... ... ! ! ''

[Unique Ability: Swift Shadow (LV2)]

More than 100 excellent-grade chips were consumed, and if those hunters were to search with all their might, it would take nearly a year to complete. The value of these chips, if calculated in monetary terms, would amount to several billion even when converted to the internationally accepted currency before the disaster. Yet, after all of this was consumed, it merely resulted in a one percent increase in the progress bar of abilities

Looking at the status bar before him, Feren fell silent for a moment. Then he raised his right hand, aiming it at the leather case in front of him. Soon, with Feren's movement, the dark green crystalline fragments began to shatter, turning into powder, as if drawn by an invisible current towards Feren's right hand. Immediately afterward, these green specks of light began to hover around Feren's right arm, and then silently absorbed into it.

[Swift Shadow: LV3 (Host speed enhancement increased by X 3, capable of brief flight)]

As if it were the end of the world

If any other "Permission Dog" had been chosen, with this much "dog food," it would at least be able to reach level 5 permissions. However, Fei Lun is different; since his awakening, the number of chips required for each level increase has been several times that of others. Of course, this is not without its advantages; at least the abilities Fei Lun uses, both in terms of power and effect, far exceed those of permission holders of the same or even higher levels. In fact, disregarding levels, purely in terms of ability strength and power, the current Fei Lun could even compete with beings of level 6 permissions. Of course, this is not without its advantages; at least the abilities Fei Lun uses, both in terms of power and effect, far exceed those of permission holders of the same or even higher levels. In fact, disregarding levels, purely in terms of ability strength and power, the current Fei Lun could even compete with beings of level 6 permissions

However, these things that are almost enough to drive the outside world crazy are, in Ferren's eyes, no different from waste

As he spoke, Ferren approached the window, gazing at the night outside. In the distance on the horizon, thunder roared, and bolts of lightning tore through the darkness, while the clouds rolled and swirled as if they were reaching from the sky all the way to the ground. Looking out, one could only see the continuously swirling tornado that slowly advanced, resembling a tsunami.

Fortunately, the enhancement did not cause any harm to my body. However, the speed is somewhat too slow

He slightly shook his head, refocused his attention, and looked at his right hand. He saw that under the system framework, the thing that had originally curled up like a bug had changed; its body slowly unfurled, and on its back, a pair of small wings resembling those of a bat appeared. In the information bar beneath this bug, its level had also changed.

Inherent Ability: Cutting (LV3)

However, for Ferren, this is still far from sufficient

It is indeed troublesome; it seems we must change our objectives...

Immediately, a sharp pain erupted from his arm, almost engulfing his entire body, but it was only for a moment. In the next instant, a powerful force suddenly emerged, dispelling the pain within his body. If it were not for the lingering, burning sensation, Ferren would probably think he was dreaming

The disturbance quickly subsided

In the present, where network energy has transformed the landscape, everyone can clarify their attribute panels in this manner. Of course, this "ability" is only possessed by those who have awakened their authority capabilities. However, if the captain of the garrison were to see this information, he would surely be so astonished that his jaw would drop.

How many mutated species, the Mother of Zombies and the Energy-Absorbing Boss must be killed to obtain such a large number of energy crystals, is a question that even the most imaginative minds would find difficult to guess

If any awakened individual with authority were to see Felun's attributes, they would likely be left speechless. Logically, the level of network authority for humans should be determined by the total sum of the awakening ability levels of the authority holders. Based on the ability attribute level that Felun is currently exhibiting, his network authority level should be 5.

Permission Level: LV3

From the perspective of natural disasters, electromagnetic storms are not much different from typhoons that occur before a "catastrophe"; however, their levels of harm are vastly different. No matter how intense a typhoon may be, as long as people take protective measures in advance, they can always save at least one life. In contrast, electromagnetic storms are different; if one cannot withstand the onslaught of an electromagnetic storm, humanity is left with only a dead end.

rumbling ... ... ! ! ''

However, Ferren's network access is limited to only level 3

Immediately, Ferren's right hand began to tremble slightly. It was not until this moment that the seemingly mask-like, unchanging smile on his face finally disappeared, replaced by a serious expression. Ferren lowered his head to observe his right arm. There, with the assistance of the system, he could see in the status bar on his right arm, a curled, shell-like creature, resembling an insect, was absorbing the light dust. After the last trace of light dust vanished, it trembled slightly and grew a little larger. There, with the assistance of the system, he could see in the status bar on his right arm, a curled, shell-like creature, resembling an insect, was absorbing the light dust. After the last trace of light dust vanished, it trembled slightly and grew a little larger. Subsequently, Ferren saw that not far below that creature, something resembling a progress bar seemed to inch forward like a snail.

If these energy chips are placed outside, it will undoubtedly trigger a frenzy of snatching. In the wasteland, the value of these energy chips is almost equivalent to pre-disaster gold. Most importantly, these energy chips not only serve as a form of currency, but they also enhance the power of the authority holders, elevate their ability levels, and can be used to increase the authority level of the network coverage area. Of course, the higher the level of the network coverage area, the more energy chips are required. For instance, in the current Zone 9, it is estimated that nearly 10,000 energy chips are needed to elevate the level again. However, even so, as long as Feren hands over the energy chips in his possession, he can immediately ascend to the ruling class of Zone 9.

The grains of sand whipped up by the fierce wind struck against the glass, producing a series of collision sounds; however, the reinforced bulletproof glass, having undergone enhanced treatment, withstood this round of testing. Yet, this was merely the beginning, as the shouts, curses, and roars from outside were completely overshadowed by the howling wind. As far as the eye could see, the only visible elements were the blinding yellow sand and the flashes of lightning.

The blocked electromagnetic storm roared like a giant beast, its enormous body pressing forcefully against the energy barrier, attempting to completely shatter this bothersome shell before it. The flashes of lightning became increasingly dense, and Feren could even see bolts of lightning striking rapidly at the edge of the shield, erupting in a series of dazzling sparks.

However, in the face of disaster, humanity has never been one to surrender easily

This is even more exploitative than pay-to-win mobile games

The electromagnetic storm has arrived

However, conversely, humans can only live in areas covered by network energy, and once they leave the coverage area, they will suffer painfully like fish out of water. Electromagnetic storms will completely absorb all network energy in the areas they pass through, which is naturally a catastrophic disaster for humanity. All individuals within the network coverage area swept and consumed by the electromagnetic storm will perish. Under the influence of the electromagnetic storm, they lose the energy essential for their survival, and their fate is ultimately a dead end. Electromagnetic storms will completely absorb all network energy in the areas they pass through, which is naturally a catastrophic disaster for humanity. All individuals within the network coverage area swept and consumed by the electromagnetic storm will perish. Under the influence of the electromagnetic storm, they lose the energy essential for their survival, and their fate is ultimately a dead end

The man's body was quickly dragged away by the arriving guards, while Fei Lun turned and left after enjoying his juice. No one would come to trouble him; this is a world of order, and power is always the guarantee of that order. An existence capable of casually killing a Level 4 authority holder already possesses the qualification to set the rules.

The storm has arrived

It is precisely for this reason that in the initial years following the disaster, many settlements were destroyed amidst electromagnetic storms, and the people residing within them suffered painful deaths, subsequently transforming into energy-absorbing monsters

A small voice filled with concern rang in Ferren's ear. Ferren lifted his head and saw the bright, emerald-like eyes of the black cat. It stared quietly at the man in front of it, its eyes wide open. In response to the black cat, Ferren merely smiled faintly and shook his head.

( Master? How are you? )

Perhaps it is time to consider the next step in the plan

Because it is clearly displayed above, Ferren's permission level is 3

[ID: Fei Lun]

Attribute: Universal

After the "Great Cataclysm," a mysterious force transformed the entire world. It is unclear what principle underlies this phenomenon, but it has integrated with the network of this world and merged with humanity. Under the influence of this enigmatic power, people no longer need to worry about energy sources and even possess formidable abilities. In this world, even without a connection to a power source, as long as there is sufficient network energy response, individuals can use any available device anywhere.

Sitting on the sofa, Fei Lun squinted his eyes, and soon, a line of information appeared before him

When Feren returned to the room, it was already midnight. Due to the impending electromagnetic storm, more and more people were heading to Zone 9 for refuge. Naturally, the number of vacant rooms was decreasing. However, Feren did not need to worry about this issue; he had a "permanent suite" in this hotel, which was a reward he received after completing a commission in Zone 9. Feren certainly understood what this meant, but he did not refuse. After all, in this land, finding a warm and comfortable place to stay is not an easy task

A dazzling radiance suddenly emerged, and in the next moment, a brilliant white light formed a translucent energy barrier, enveloping the entire Zone 9. This was the power of the Level 5 network coverage area, which, with its immense energy, could create an incredibly strong barrier to withstand the onslaught of electromagnetic storms