Wasteland for All: I Can Infinitely Upgrade My Vault

At first, no one paid attention to this disaster. It was just a solar corona transient, a rumor that spread across the internet, and a counter-terrorism operation that resulted in heavy casualties, until the disaster became relevant to everyone.

As the sun rapidly turned a dark red, and its red light completely illuminated the sky, countless people simultaneously heard a solemn and sacred voice.

[Welcome to *Starry Sea*, beings of Earth! For the continuation of civilization, Project Impure Earth has officially begun. Believe that when the sky is dark enough, the stars will shine brightly!]

[We are now assigning region modules and generating initial attributes for you.]

Zhong Li remained seated on the sofa watching the news, watching the surrounding environment transform from her familiar cramped apartment into a magnificent temple hall. Surprisingly, she didn't scream hysterically, her entire worldview shattered.

Perhaps it was because of the numerous news reports about monsters and strange abilities before the apocalypse that he had already foreseen this day.

Upon seeing the transparent light screen in front of him, Zhong Li forced himself to quickly gather his mind and try to understand the information that appeared as quickly as possible.

Name: Zhong Li

Gender: Male

Age: 23

[Level: 1]

[Combat Strength: 5]

【Life: 5】

[Protection level: 5]

[Movement: 5]

Courage: 5

[Psionic Power: 5]

[Weapon: None]

[Equipment: None]

[Item: None]

Click "Start" to select your profession and relics.

Zhongli Yingqi raised his eyebrows; this really was a standard human weakling with a combat power of 5.

However, there is some good news: I don't have to worry about being unemployed after graduation.

As an orphan from Earth, 23-year-old Zhong Li was just facing the challenge of finding a job after graduation. Now, she no longer needs to miserably intern everywhere; her job is directly assigned to her.

A few days later, Zhong Li might have had to consider selling his good looks to some rich woman. After all, Zhong Li is quite handsome and has a certain charm; his suitors could form a reinforced platoon. If the gender restriction hadn't been so strict, there might have been a whole synthetic brigade.

There are no shortcuts in life now, so Zhong Li decisively clicked "Start".

Please select your race.

Humans: Highly adaptable, expansionist, and superstitious, they are one of the main races in the wasteland. While war ravages their lands, it has not diminished their authority. Courage +1, Critical Hit Rate +5%, Gain the Initiative trait (will initiate attacks first in combat)

[Lizardmen: Strong and resilient, with excellent self-healing abilities and sharp claws. They possess outstanding combat skills and stamina, and the ability to develop civilization without tools. They typically inhabit the edges of the wasteland or hidden forests. Psionic Energy -1, +10% Maximum Combat Power, gains Regeneration (After each attack, if their combat power is higher than the opponent's, they immediately recover health equal to the difference in combat power)]

[Skaven: A race with rodent-like characteristics, they are hunched over but agile and swift, adept at digging tunnels and escaping danger. They typically inhabit underground cities or cave systems in the wasteland and are one of the most adaptable races in the wasteland. Combat Power +1, Movement +1, Gain the Night Ambush trait (undetectable by the enemy while in ambush in the dark)]

[Void Eldar: Known for their octopus-like appearance, they possess vast knowledge and wisdom, and master the most powerful psionic secrets. Though lurking in the shadows, they constantly covet the entire continent. Psionic Power +2, Spell Damage +10%, Gain the Frenzied trait (Combat power is not constant, fluctuating between -5 and +5 with each attack)]

【…】

There are quite a few races to choose from. Zhongli even saw goblins, minotaurs, and tentacle monsters. I imagine some people with a morbid curiosity would find it quite exciting.

The tentacle monster was just too ugly, and Zhongli wasn't ready to become inhuman, so she decisively chose [Human]. The human's permanent +5% critical hit rate and initiative trait is quite strong.

Please select your gender.

[Male: Combat Power +1, Health +1]

[Female: Protection +1, Courage +1]

【？？：？？】

There's no need to hesitate. Zhong Li is absolutely male, a real man, both physiologically and psychologically!

Then the light screen changed, revealing an image of Zhongli with his upper body naked.

Please select your occupation.

[Mechanic Priest: Mechanics are a profession that masters advanced technology and mechanical knowledge, displaying astonishing abilities at the intersection of mechanics and psionic energy. Through summons such as machines and golems, they can provide powerful firepower support on the battlefield. Combat Power +1, Defense +1, Summoned Follower Limit +1, Gain 1 Basic Mechanical Arm, Rusty Giant Wrench]

[Psychic: Psychics are mysterious individuals in the wasteland who have awakened special bloodlines. They can draw energy from their bloodline and transform it into powerful psychic spells. Health +1, Psionic Energy +1, Psionic Strike Cost -1, Each attack on an enemy reduces their Courage by 1, Gain 1 Basic Scepter]

[Martial Artist: Martial artists are one of the most common professions in the wasteland world. Through day-to-day training, they hone their bodies to perfection, making every strike carry the force of thunder. However, they are not merely melee brutes; through the circulation of vital energy, they possess the ultimate ability to create miracles. Once in close combat, they transform into the most terrifying beings. Combat Power +1, Defense +1, Courage +1, Gain the Thousand-Hammered Trait (damage dealt to the same target is reduced by 1 each time), Obtain the Flame Impact Gauntlets]

[Order Knights: Knights are synonymous with the armed forces of an Order. They belong to different chapters and are therefore usually proficient in multiple weapons, able to choose the most suitable weapon for combat depending on the situation. A qualified Order Knight is often proficient in swordsmanship, firearms, and even melee combat techniques. At the same time, they are the most steadfast defenders of their faith, able to use the power of their faith to enhance their combat abilities. Combat Power +1, Faith +1, Gain Weapon Mastery, All Weapon Damage +1, Gain Worn Thunder Spear x1, Broad-handled Military Sword x1]

【…】

Upon seeing this, Zhong Li made a decisive choice.

A knight who can use American-style iaido is an elite among knights!

Moreover, the Knight class is not only proficient in swordsmanship, firearms, and even close combat, but also has a very special attribute: [Faith +1].

Those with special attributes usually have some hidden professions, which will give them an advantage in the future.

As Zhongli made his choice, the image on the screen changed again, revealing a simple space warrior holding a sword in one hand and a gun in the other.

The worn-out rifles, melee weapons, and patchwork steel plate armor all contribute to the dark, wasteland aesthetic.

Zhongli was quite satisfied. At least he didn't start empty-handed. He had a gun, a sword, and steel plate protection, which greatly increased his chances of survival.

Please select your deity's relic.

【Crimson Blood Pendant: Relic of the Blood God. Restores HP to full upon use, reduces maximum HP by 1 (3 uses)】

[Borderland Rune: Relic of the God of War, grants 200 Runes upon use]

[Fanged Imp Ashes: A relic of the Demon King. Use to recruit a bloodthirsty imp to assist in battle]

【Festering Fingers: Relic of the Plague Father, thrown at enemies, will generate corrosive damage in a 10x10 meter area】

[Golden Seed: An imperial relic; carrying it grants +1 to both combat power and courage.]

【Charming Branch: The effects after use are unknown; it's a consumable item】

……

[Random selection. (Leave everything to fate; a useless twig or a legendary item—anything is possible. But don't have too high expectations; relics are items abandoned by the gods.)]

Each relic offers very limited benefits; in essence, they are things that the gods deemed useless and discarded.

So Zhongli decided to choose random this time! She had carefully selected so many options, so this time she would leave it to fate!

After all, in life-or-death crises and on the battlefield, sometimes luck is more important than anything else!

Zhong Li decisively clicked on "Random Selection!"

[Random draw complete. Legendary creature: Blood Rose Monastery - Dark Saintess - Nightshade!]

[Ding! Achievement triggered: [Innate Divinity] As you are the first human to obtain a Legendary follower, you have attracted the attention of Gaia's will and gained the special ability: Divine Construction - Wildfire.]

[Special Ability - Wildfire Successfully Bound: All bloodshed and sacrifice will be repaid in the final victory! Remember, victory is the best motivation; like the crimson flames, continuous victories will eventually ignite a wildfire! Can consume victory points to strengthen all entities within the shelter.]

[Initial Reward for Binding: 100 Victory Points]

Zhongli raised an eyebrow. Sure enough, the so-called divine blessing was just what mortals sought—a mere glimpse from the gods!

Did I gain Gaia's attention because of this achievement?

Or will anyone who achieves the [Innate Divinity] achievement receive this enhancement system?

Before Zhong Li could sort out his thoughts, the system's voice sounded again.

[Character creation complete. Entering the wasteland world!]

[You've staked your last peaceful and comfortable life on becoming the manager of a wasteland vault. You'll face endless dangers, but also the opportunity to gain greater power and wealth. Forge ahead, and the thorns will eventually become a smooth road. May the wheel of fate guide you!]

A crimson light shone into the temple, and the magnificent palace gradually dissipated like sandstorm. Only after a few seconds, when the red light faded, did Zhongli remove his right arm from his eyes and see what this world looked like.

A pale red haze hung in the sky, and intense ultraviolet rays scorched the earth, making the whole world resemble a post-apocalyptic wasteland, filled with sand and dust.

However, Zhongli didn't have time to carefully explore the background of this world. He immediately looked at the relic he had drawn out—the legendary creature, Blood Rose Monastery, Dark Saintess!

She was not far from Zhong Li, just a meter or two to his right, but she was in very bad condition, lying on the yellow sand, with several anxious refugees squatting around her.

A young, strong man holding a crossbow turned to Zhong Li and said, "New manager, is this lady your attendant? She seems to be bleeding profusely; it's formed a pool of blood. We don't have any hemostatic agents, and she might not make it."

Zhong Li immediately stepped forward, squatted down beside her, and checked on the condition of the Dark Saintess.

She lay quietly on the ground, truly beautiful and young. Her long, black hair was smooth and lustrous, cascading down her pale face like a waterfall. Her features were exquisite and flawless, especially her eyes, which were as beautiful and bright as the clear moon.

What's surprising is that this dark saintess is wearing a bright crimson palace dress, embroidered with twelve flower goddesses such as epiphyllum and lotus leaves in gold thread.

Zhongli quickly guessed the reason for this stark contrast! Every inch of her body was oozing copious amounts of blood, as if all the blood in her body had seeped out. The bright red Twelve Flower Goddess Palace gown was the color that could best conceal these wounds.

Seeing Zhong Li squatting beside her, examining her injuries, a faint sadness appeared on her face, and she said softly, "I'm sorry, my esteemed master. With the collapse of darkness, I have reached the end of my life and may no longer be able to serve you. Please allow me, before I pass away, to use my last breath and strength to serve you one last time, to summon two church warband maidens to take care of you in my stead."

In an instant, Zhong Li's mouth dropped open in surprise.

What an understanding and gentle older sister she is!

With his life hanging by a thread, the last thing he thought of was helping his master get two more concubines!

What man could stand by and watch such a gentle and tender girl pass away without feeling anything?

So Zhongli almost instinctively said, "Don't take your own life! It's better to live a miserable life than to die. Isn't there any way to treat this?"

Ye Wei shook her head, her face pale, and said, "It's meaningless. The crimson blood moon hangs high in the night, and the crimson light is like countless wounds on the body of the night. As the Dark Saintess, I am destined to bleed to death. Even in the blood pool, it only temporarily slows down the rate at which my life is lost. As long as the blood moon is still hanging high in the sky and the darkness is stained with red light, my fate is sealed."

"So... I am the relic, abandoned by the Black King. I have less than a day left to live."

"There is no need for more lives to be lost because of this."

Zhongli grabbed the spear beside him: "At least there's still a temporary solution, isn't there? Don't give up so easily. I'll go find some blood for you right now. Use only half your power to summon an ally for me."

Even if the outcome isn't ideal, at least I'll still have a beautiful lady-in-waiting. If I take a more relaxed approach, it's just a change of maid. But if everything goes well, I'll have gained a perfect saintess and many more maids!

Upon hearing this, Ye Wei remained silent for a few seconds, then calmly said, "If you insist on this, I will comply with your will."

Then she spread her five fingers, and a six-star light array quickly appeared in front of her palm. The array continued to expand, and then a black and red teleportation portal opened in the air beside her.

After casting the spell, Ye Wei seemed to have lost a lot of energy. She placed her right hand in front of her abdomen, quietly closed her eyes, and seemed to fall into a permanent sleep.

Zhong Li then stood up, and the three men beside him followed suit. The young man holding a crossbow said, "Manager, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Wu, nicknamed Dark Serpent, and I am a scout in the Black Sand Sanctuary."

"Greetings, Manager. My name is Stone, and I am a slave in the Black Sand Sanctuary that you manage."

"Greetings, Administrator. My name is Shortboard, and I am a slave in the Black Sand Refuge. We have been praying for so long, and the temple has finally sent you. Otherwise, the Black Sand Refuge would really not have been able to hold on."

After the three introduced themselves, Zhong Li had a rough impression of them. Wu was strong and powerful, Shi Tou was honest and simple, and Duan Ban was lively and agile. They had different personalities, but their combat strength was exactly the same—all were weaklings with a combat strength of five. Even Wu didn't have any class-specific bonuses; he just had a crossbow and a serrated knife.

The three of them are practically out of luck when it comes to surviving, fighting, and collecting blood in the apocalypse.

Zhong Li had no choice but to open his special ability interface.

[A wildfire spreads]

All bloodshed and sacrifice will be repaid in final victory! Remember, victory is the best motivation; like a blazing fire, continuous victories will eventually ignite a prairie fire!

Current Victory Points: 100

[Currently available upgrade options: [Buildings], [Army], [Slaves], [Equipment], [Items].]

Since he needed to engage in battle immediately, Zhong Li did not hesitate and decisively chose to strengthen the [Army] module.

However, he was the only professional soldier in the army module; the other three belonged to the [slave] module.

[Ding! First upgrade of [Order Knight] costs 100 victory points. Confirm?]

【Sure!】

[Ding! The Order Knight has been successfully enhanced, gaining +1 special ability]

[Ding, basic characteristic extraction complete. Please select one of the following three characteristics to solidify as your own characteristic. (Important Note: Please choose carefully, as it cannot be changed once selected.)]

[Battle Spirit - Basic Trait: As long as a warrior lives, he witnesses the death of others. Damage dealt to wounded enemy units is increased by +1 with each attack.]

[Judgment of Sin - Basic Trait: No one is innocent, only differing in the degree of their guilt. Faith points will additionally increase combat power and critical hit rate.]

[Guardian Glory - Basic Trait: Pain is a sensory illusion, despair is a mental illusion; let us shatter these illusions with courage and loyalty. All friendly soldiers within a 50-meter radius of you gain a constant +2 armor.]

After reading it, Zhong Li chose the third option without hesitation. As the manager of the shelter, he would command soldiers in combat for a long time. This strategic characteristic was more cost-effective than individual characteristics.

While Zhong Li completed the enhancement in less than 3 seconds, the summoning next to him was also completed, and heavy footsteps and the sound of heavy armor clashing came clearly from behind the portal.