Evolution Begins with Elemental Domination

The little calico cat had clearly had a stroke of luck, picking up a Wind Element Essence from who knows where.

’That’s not right...’

Su Chen mulled it over. Compatibility aside, he had a feeling the wind-walking ability it just displayed was the effect of a Rune.

’Did this little cat just hit the jackpot?’

Not giving it much more thought, he stepped into the RV. Before turning on the lights, he pulled all the curtains shut to prevent the light from attracting any Iron-Eating Insects.

Since floor-to-ceiling curtains separated the living area from the driver’s cab, there was no need to put a separate shade over the front windshield.

Then, he activated the slide-out feature.

With a low whir of machinery, the left and right cabin walls extended horizontally, and the RV’s usable living space instantly expanded from about 10 to 15 square meters.

The newly expanded area on the left revealed a two-seater sofa facing a large desk. On the desk sat a 32-inch monitor and a PS5, with a top-of-the-line PC tower tucked underneath.

The slide-out on the right formed a highly efficient, integrated kitchen. The upper cabinets housed a range hood, while the countertop featured an induction cooktop and a sink. Below the counter were a built-in steam-oven combo and a washing machine, with a 148L refrigerator standing to the side.

In the middle of the vehicle was a complete wet bath, equipped with a swivel toilet and a showerhead. Opposite the bathroom was a wardrobe.

At the very rear of the cabin was a transverse double bed.

Above the driver’s cab, there was also a sizable over-cab bed.

In short, that was the overall layout of the RV’s living quarters.

Su Chen’s father had custom-ordered the RV for a trip around the country with his partner, which was why it came with a double bed, a two-seater sofa, and a more comprehensive kitchen setup.

When Su Chen took it over, he had considered replacing the sofa with a zero-gravity chair but ultimately decided against it.

Over the past two years, he had even managed to develop some decent cooking skills.

’I need to copy the drone’s video feed from the remote to my phone.’

Su Chen hadn’t forgotten. The drone he’d flown at dusk had scouted the general terrain of the forest to the east.

The footage of the terrain along the river, in particular, would be crucial for the next morning’s exploration.

Though his phone had no signal, it was still useful. Its portability made it convenient for viewing offline maps.

After connecting the data cable to the drone’s remote, the video files from the evening’s flight began transferring to his phone.

Just then, a soft knock came from the door.

”Hello, sorry to bother you. I’m Liao Dahai, the owner of one of the RVs nearby.”

The visitor introduced himself, and after Su Chen opened the door, the man explained his reason for coming.

The reason was simple.

In this temporarily designated camping area, they were the only ones sleeping in their RVs. Since they were scattered and unorganized, he wanted to introduce himself so they could all look out for one another.

Furthermore, he suggested they should all park their RVs together. That way, their respective four-channel surveillance systems could cover every angle of the surrounding environment.

If anyone tried anything malicious, they’d have irrefutable proof and wouldn’t have to worry about the culprit trying to deny it.

”No problem. I’ll move my RV,” Su Chen said with a nod.

It was a simple request, and none of the other RV owners staying the night had any objections.

And so, a slightly lopsided, circular formation of RVs took shape.

Once that was all done, Su Chen finally took a shower.

As midnight approached, it still felt like a summer night. The temperature sensor’s reading of 28°C was about what he expected.

It was worth noting that when it came to bathing, the rooftop water tanks of the guesthouses and hotels hadn’t been damaged, so there was still a temporary supply of cold water. Most people could take a cold shower if they were willing.

But by tonight, those who could still enjoy a shower with adjustable hot and cold water—controlling the temperature at will—were among the lucky few.

When Su Chen finished his shower, the RV’s air conditioning had already been running, making the internal temperature pleasantly comfortable.

He took a few ice cubes from the freezer, dropped them into a glass, and poured in a bottle of sugar-free Fanta.

As the bubbles fizzed, Su Chen finished drying his hair. He then raised the glass and took a sip. The cool, crisp shock was enough to make his mind relax.

The all-band radio on the table continued to play softly as it charged.

Several Dongfu City radio stations were still broadcasting.

Like an unquenchable lighthouse, they offered light and solace to those navigating the storms of this new, apocalyptic world.

And here, in the small world of his RV, Su Chen maintained an almost luxurious semblance of civilized life.

’The RV was the right choice.’

Small but complete in every way.

As long as the new sun’s radiation remained intense, the solar panels on the roof would allow him to continue enjoying the gifts of the former civilized world.

’With that in mind...’

’How can I reinforce Unit 13?’

The RV was crucial. Leaving aside the potential instability that envy from others could create down the line, Su Chen needed to think about how to reinforce his beloved vehicle just to avoid it being destroyed by area-of-effect Magic.

Elemental Essence was one obvious option.

But that didn’t seem feasible.

Without its own Spiritual Energy, the moment he left it unattended, the RV would just become a treasure for others to covet.

’I’ll just have to take it one step at a time.’

At least in the current environment, order wasn’t so fragile that it was on the verge of collapse. Not a single person had yet dared to commit crimes openly.

As for the archery hall owner, Feng Zhiyuan, being accused of assault, many felt there were extenuating circumstances. The other person had been in the wrong first; putting themselves in Feng Zhiyuan’s shoes, anyone would be furious to have their Rune snatched away.

Besides, the injured party had made a full recovery.

No matter how one looked at it, a tacit understanding among the people was still maintaining order. The bloody Law of survival had not yet become the only truth.

Not long after,

Su Chen got into bed.

After he fell asleep, the outside world remained calm.

Thanks to the diligence of the night watch, a solid defensive perimeter had been established around the campground.

Until 2:35 AM, when a sudden, scorching heat surged from the center of his chest.

Su Chen’s eyes snapped open. After ruling out a problem with the air conditioner, he quickly determined that this powerful torrent of heat was feedback from his family’s Jade Pendant.

At that moment,

He felt as if the blood vessels throughout his body were expanding to accommodate a surging, crimson tide of blood.

His heart hammered in his chest, pumping scorching Life Force to every corner of his body.

It was as if some mysterious factor had been injected into his blood plasma, creating new, faintly glowing red blood cells. His oxygen-carrying capacity skyrocketed, which meant a much more abundant supply of fuel was being delivered to his muscle cells.

This path to power clearly wasn’t about simply piling on muscle to increase brute strength.

Su Chen lay still on the bed, calmly sensing the changes in his body. With every exhale, a faint white mist escaped his lips.

The transformation didn’t last long, and the furnace-like fire burning within him gradually subsided.

A message then appeared in his Sea of Consciousness.

’Body’s vital energy enhanced. Red blood cell oxygen-carrying capacity has undergone a quantum leap. Explosive muscle power increased.’

’Power +1!’

Attributes: Power 14 / Physique 16 / Agility 13 / Intelligence 12 / Perception 11.