Apocalypse Survival: Starting with a Shelter

[K2-series drones returning to base.]

[Reloading thermite incendiary bombs.]

[Heavy truck 30mm autocannon firing sequence initiated.]

[Enemy forces reduced to less than 20%.]

[Reconnaissance drones entering search mode.]

In the darkness, the heavy truck's turret rotated silently, targeting enemy positions.

Every ten seconds, it fired a precise shot—not due to the cannon's rate of fire limits, but because enemy targets were becoming increasingly scarce.

With the help of reconnaissance drones and precise AI calculations, the autocannon's accuracy was devastating.

Whether it was a fleeing modified vehicle or a dismounted soldier, each shot was a decisive hit, leaving behind destruction or death.

Within minutes, over seven or eight modified vehicles heading toward the heavy truck were reduced to smoldering wreckage on the roadside.

In the skies above, two K2-series agricultural drones, now equipped with thermite incendiary bombs, hovered at an altitude of 200 meters.

Though their maximum speed of three meters per second rendered them sluggish compared to ground vehicles, they didn't need to compete in a race.

The rugged terrain of hills and valleys worked as their ally, allowing them to block escape routes by strategically dropping incendiary bombs.

These calculated deployments herded the scattered enemies into tighter areas, systematically shrinking their avenues of escape until they were burned out completely.

The combined air-and-ground assault waged by the heavy truck and drones forced the surviving armed personnel into a desperate retreat.

After each wave of attacks, those who lagged behind or failed to find sufficient cover succumbed to the relentless rain of incendiary or armor-piercing rounds.

As the battle wore on and the heavy truck's ammunition reserves dwindled to one-third, the last ten or so vehicles managed to flee more than ten kilometers.

But their path—whether by chance or design—was leading them directly toward Arid Stone Village, where Su Wu's shelter was based.

The AI, devoid of human interpretation or hesitation, focused solely on efficiency. It initiated the final strike.

At Arid Stone Village, two Ore-Type armored vehicles, tasked with perimeter patrol, halted abruptly.

Their twin 8-tube rocket launchers swiveled toward the direction of Jianghe City's outskirts.

After a brief adjustment, the launchers fired their entire payload.

A total of 32 rockets shot into the sky, trailing bright flames before curving downward, raining destruction over an area one to two kilometers away.

The explosions reverberated across the barren landscape, sending tremors that were faintly felt even within the village.

The one hundred or so drivers and laborers still stationed near the shelter's storage area were left on edge by the thunderous barrage.

In an already hellish environment of scorching heat, the sudden eruption of combat and the use of heavy weaponry like rockets stirred unease and apprehension.

"Please, just let me get home safely," murmured one truck driver, Pang Changbing, his voice trembling as he nervously recorded the spectacle.

Uploading a close-up video of the rocket launch to the newly registered video platform, Pang couldn't help but marvel at the sheer firepower. Yet, the thought of the devastation it represented drained all excitement from him.

For ordinary civilians, being caught in the crossfire of powerful factions often meant certain death. Pang resolved to stay as far away from such conflicts as possible.

Far from the chaos, the two Ore-Type armored vehicles completed their strikes and returned to the shelter for reloading.

Meanwhile, one of the specialized transport vehicles, previously tasked with loading and unloading materials, redirected its efforts.

Accompanied by two armed construction robots, it set out toward the scene of the explosions.

Upon arriving, the transport vehicle methodically cleared the smoldering wreckage of a dozen or so modified vehicles, towing them off the road.

This ensured the sole highway connecting Jianghe City to Arid Stone Village remained open.

[All hostile targets eliminated.]

[Combat units returning to base.]

[Exiting warfare mode.]

In the underground control center on the second level of the shelter, the operation log displayed its final lines, marking the end of the battle.

The entire engagement, lasting just over 30 minutes, had claimed over a thousand lives.

However, it had also drained more than half of the shelter's ammunition reserves. The two 240mm rockets, the most potent weapons in Su Wu's arsenal, were completely expended.

"AI is incredibly effective, but the ammunition consumption is ridiculous," Su Wu muttered, inspecting the depleted stockpiles with a pained expression.

As a bystander to the battle, he had witnessed the AI execute unnecessary saturation strikes multiple times, ensuring complete annihilation but at the cost of significant resources.

"If this fight had dragged on any longer, we might've run out of ammo entirely," Su Wu sighed.

Still, he found solace in the knowledge that the overwhelming display of power had delivered the maximum deterrent effect.

In the aftermath of such a decisive victory, Su Wu anticipated a prolonged period of peace and the subtle benefits that would accompany his newfound reputation.

-----

Happy New Year Everyone! May this year bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Cheers to new beginnings! 🎉🍻🎊