Apocalypse Survival: Starting with a Shelter

In the underground control center of the Farmhouse Shelter, Su Wu received yet another warning from the official refuge shortly after taking full control of the Jingyuan Refuge.

"This is your final warning. If you don't immediately cease your conflict with the Jingyuan Refuge, the consequences will be severe."

The official's tone was harsh, laced with impatience, as if reprimanding a disobedient pet nearing the limits of its owner's tolerance.

"It's already over," Su Wu replied calmly.

"What do you mean?"

"Three minutes ago, Jingyuan Refuge leader Yang Chaopeng was executed. We have taken full control of the refuge. As you wished, the conflict is resolved."

Su Wu transmitted video evidence of Yang Chaopeng's death and the mass surrender of Jingyuan's security forces being integrated into his mechanical units, solid proof of his newly established authority over a massive refuge of tens of thousands.

The official on the other end fell silent, then ended the communication abruptly after a long pause.

Minutes later, the coalition forces stationed near the entrance to Jingyuan Refuge began advancing.

Centered around dozens of military tanks and armored vehicles, the imposing convoy rumbled forward, grinding the rocky terrain beneath its wheels.

The sight of these steel behemoths, moving as a unified force, exuded a silent but palpable menace.

The official refuge, though not directly intervening, had made its stance clear through swift and resolute action: Su Wu's defiance would not be tolerated.

"Looks like a battle's brewing."

"Who do you think will win?"

"Probably the surface forces. Tanks are the kings of war, after all."

"Maybe, but don't forget how they breached Jingyuan Refuge's defenses. They might still have heavy rockets up their sleeves."

"That's true, but the official refuge's radar system has them locked down. If they dare fire rockets, they'll be intercepted before traveling half a kilometer."

Onlookers whispered amongst themselves, retreating further from the likely battlefield. No one wanted to be caught in the crossfire.

In the center of the coalition convoy, inside a massive eight-wheeled armored command vehicle, a group of leaders conferred.

"Don't worry," the official representative reassured the commanders.

"The military radar network has locked onto the Farmhouse Shelter. Any rockets they launch will be intercepted immediately. I guarantee they won't even scratch your vehicles."

The commanders, bolstered by this assurance, shed their last reservations. The official refuge's implicit support emboldened them, and their morale soared.

Above the battlefield, reconnaissance drones monitored the coalition forces' every move, relaying data back to the Farmhouse Shelter's control center.

"So, they've made their decision," Su Wu murmured, setting aside the myriad tasks accompanying his recent acquisition of Jingyuan Refuge.

He turned his focus to the surface, reading the official refuge's message loud and clear: they were willing to pay any price to eliminate him.

It wasn't personal. It was about the value of the communications tower and the internet infrastructure he controlled—assets worth more than any force he had shown thus far.

"It's all about profit," Su Wu sighed softly, his expression settling into calm determination.

If his bargaining chips weren't enough, he would simply add more.

For those who doubted his resolve, it was time to make things unmistakably clear.

Several kilometers from the Farmhouse Shelter, in a concealed mountain valley, a dormant artillery battery stirred to life.

"Disable communication jamming."

"Disengage optical camouflage and energy conservation mode."

"Conduct weapon diagnostics."

"Confirm targets."

"Adjust coordinates with final drone calibration."

"Fire."

In under ten seconds, the battery's command vehicle completed its preparations.

Twenty 155mm self-propelled howitzers roared to life, belching fire as they launched their shells high into the sky. Traveling at nearly a kilometer per second, the projectiles arced toward their target 30 kilometers away—the coalition forces near Jingyuan Refuge.

The bombardment continued unabated, with shells fired every six seconds. After expending half their ammunition reserves in just over two minutes, the howitzers retracted their supports and left the valley in orderly fashion, evading potential counterattacks.

At the coalition's position near Jingyuan Refuge, the advancing forces had no inkling of the incoming artillery.

The convoy only received radar alerts mere seconds before impact.

"What's this? Why are there so many signals appearing all at once?" a soldier clad in full tactical gear muttered, staring at the radar display in confusion.

Realization dawned too late.

The whistling roar of incoming shells drowned out all other sounds. Explosions erupted across the convoy, sending fiery shockwaves skyward.

In the first salvo alone, the coalition forces were devastated.

Over two-thirds of their troops were annihilated before they could react, and the survivors fared no

better.

Caught mid-escape, they were obliterated by the second wave of shells.