Apocalypse: System of lotteries

00:01.

The Third Day.

Ming stood atop the mountain and surveyed the district, but it was still. In the distance, several settlements had sprouted up over the past two days, all brightly lit. No one slept; everyone was waiting.

"Attention all channels: the shared boss will arrive at 9 AM on the third day in each district's center. Please remain calm," the system announced.

"Damn it!" Everyone cursed the system in the chat channel. They had expected the boss to arrive as soon as it struck midnight.

On the third day, everyone was on edge, for the shared boss presented a challenge for all in the district. The boss's strength was bound to be formidable, and the tension was high. The unexpected announcement of the boss's arrival time at 9 AM increased their frustration.

"Let us sleep and keep our spirits up."

"My friend snores loudly in his sleep. He was right about the boss's arrival time, and I was wrong."

"Alright, let's all get some rest. It has made me break out in a cold sweat."

"..."

Ming closed the chat channel and placed two sleeping frogs beside the pond. He then built a fence around a 5-meter-long and 6-meter-high plot of farmland adjacent to the sparkling flowers on the mountaintop platform. He reinforced the wall with several layers of steel plates, added some excellent soil, and planted several small coconut trees.

He hoped the enriched soil would solve the coconut trees' problems. He then covered the surrounding area with thick layers of sand and placed a vicious five-star crab inside, hoping the familiar environment would make it feel at home.

Ming felt the steel plates needed to be improved, so he added several more layers. After all, this crab was not like the koi or butterflies - it was highly aggressive.

He retrieved a centipede leg from the warehouse and tossed it into the enclosure. The small crab seized it with its claws and devoured it like french fries. It was gone in an instant.

"..."

Ming was astonished. This tiny crab could eat more than Foodie. He then tossed a few more centipede legs and coconuts down to it. After finishing its meal, the crab lay down beneath the coconut tree and buried part of its body in the sand, preparing to go to sleep.

"Judging by its appetite..."

Ming rubbed his nose and gazed at the earthworm farm. They might have a different use in the future.

After confirming that the small crab was asleep, he returned to the rooftop and sat in a chair, tallying up yesterday's harvest. He had amassed 13,000 kilograms of psychic stones, exchanged them for several bracelets, and kept half in reserve.

There were over a thousand coconuts. Alan had picked even more. While Ming was cutting the psychic stones, Alan focused on gathering coconuts. Alan could become wealthy by selling them. After finishing his calculations, Ming browsed the chat channel for a while before preparing to go to sleep.

Ming arose at 6 AM and fed the small crab a few more centipede legs and coconuts. He then provided the rabbits with the grass he had collected from the small island. After meeting everyone's needs, he descended the mountain towards the district center.

As he walked, he was shocked to discover that the concrete blocks had all been reduced to rubble and the reinforcing steel bars were missing. The people of District 109 were so hard.

Sniff, sniff.

David's earthy aroma.

"Good morning." They exchanged greetings and walked together toward the district center. No resources left in the district could prompt people to wake up early. Those who arose at the time were all headed toward the district center to prepare for the arrival of the shared monster.

"You see, I told you yesterday that all the resources in the district would be depleted within half a day," David remarked, pointing towards the south. "Most of the city's inhabitants have gathered there but currently lack a leader. Everyone maintains mutual respect. They don't have a unified name yet, but they're called the 'Old City People'."

"That's good," Ming nodded. He then retrieved a bag of sand from the warehouse and handed it to David. "I brought this back from the random area map for you. Take it; it's a gift."

Initially surprised, David reached into the bag and scooped up a handful of sand to inspect it. "Sea sand? Did you  go to the seaside copy?"

"Yeah," Ming confirmed.

"Are you certain you want to give it to me?"

David tossed an energy stone to Ming and said, "I'd prefer to trade. You have such a cunning expression, and I don't dare take it for free."

Ming pocketed the energy stone. "I know someone still has dozens of bags of seashell sand."

David shook his head and sighed. "If only I could go to the seaside. Then, I wouldn't have to deal with you shrewd businessmen."

"So, we'll try to bring it back for you, and you'll pay for it. It's a win-win situation," Ming suggested.

"Just don't mix in any seashells next time," David warned.

"Seashells? It must have been an oversight when I was packing them. I'll be more careful in the future," Ming promised.

"Didn't you notice this enormous coconut shell?" David inquired.

"I recall now; it's my friend left here. He has poor eyesight. Here, I'll compensate you with a coconut."

"Give me a large one."

"..."

The two strode side by side.

"People returning from the wilderness and countryside currently reside in the West District and are peaceful. They are collectively known as the New City residents," David explained, gesturing towards the west. He then pointed towards the east and continued, "Whereas those with mutant genes have formed a small settlement over there, referred to as the Mutants."

"What about the north?"

Ming noticed that they had scarcely encountered anyone along their journey.

"The north is located adjacent to the wilderness, and the secrets of the fog have not yet been uncovered. No one dares to reside there."

David picked up a small steel bar and tossed it to his companion.

"You're quite knowledgeable."

Ming caught the steel bar and stored it in his memory.

"I just returned from the district recently, and there's no sand to refine, so I'm studying these things to enrich myself. By the way," David paused and adjusted his attire. "If you need any information, you can come to me. One secret from the district costs 10 gold coins."

"..."

Ming glanced at him. So, you're a profiteer as well.