Just as Lucas Kane had predicted, the surge in demand for weapons quickly outpaced that for food and water.
Unlike food, which could be eaten once and gone forever, or water, which barely lasted a day, weapons enabled survivors to fight, kill, and claim more resources. A knife was a tool of continuation.
He wasn't the least bit worried that giving others blades would backfire. Because these weren't high-quality combat weapons—they were regular kitchen knives. The kind that dulled quickly and could even break if you used them wrong. Against a zombie's skull, a cleaver could easily chip, dent, or wedge in too deep.
They were disposable.
Predictably, while Victor Cross's listings of water and vacuum-sealed sausages remained untouched, Lucas's knives were snatched up in minutes. Nine blades, gone. In return? Nine cans of luncheon meat and nine bottles of clean water.
A decisive win.
Food and water might be essential, but energy cores were priceless. Only a fool would trade them away unless desperate. Victor had gambled on exploiting hunger, but he underestimated just how quickly desperation made survivors wise.
And even worse? He had shown his hand.
Selling food and water openly had made Victor a target. Everyone now knew he had a stockpile. Unlike Lucas, who could hide behind the ambiguity of kitchen tools, Victor was now marked—a walking pantry.
Lucas snorted. "Show-offs get shot first."
He turned his attention back to the marketplace, curiosity piqued. Maybe someone else had listed something interesting. He browsed idly through the listings.
Lingerie. A winter hat. A ceramic bowl. Even a stuffed panda.
Lucas chuckled. "Feels like browsing a busted eBay."
Then something caught his eye.
[Bloodied Keys] x5 — Price negotiable, seeking food or water. [Map of Sunhaven City] — Price negotiable. [Campus Map of Sunhaven University] — Also open to trade.
All three listings were posted by the same user: Jassica Moore.
There was a small profile image beside her name. She looked young, dressed in what was unmistakably a flight attendant uniform. Long legs, striking presence. But Lucas barely glanced at that. His eyes were locked on the keys.
"Keys... to rooms?"
He tapped the listing.
[Bloodied Keys]: Once cleaned, these keys can open corresponding rooms in Sunhaven University. Rooms include: dining hall storeroom, security control room, locked dormitories, faculty offices, and the campus infirmary.
His breath caught. The dining hall storeroom.
That could mean shelf-stable food. Packaged. Sealed. Preserved.
A jackpot.
Lucas didn't hesitate. He opened a private chat.
Lucas: Saw your listings. I want all three. Name your price.
The reply came almost immediately.
Jassica: All three? Really? That's amazing! Um... could I trade for one bottle of clean water? Just one?
Lucas frowned.
Just one? She didn't even try to haggle.
She was either desperate or had no idea what these items were truly worth.
He typed back quickly.
Lucas: A full bottle's a bit much. I have half a bottle left. Drank from it, but it's still clean. If you're okay with that, we can trade now.
There was a long pause. Then a hesitant reply.
Jassica: Half a bottle... and you drank from it?
He could almost feel her hesitating. Then another message appeared.
Jassica: Well... I guess it doesn't matter now. The world's gone to hell. Sharing water feels weird, but... what else can I do?
Lucas: If you have an empty bottle, I can try pouring it in.
Jassica: I'm stuck in a security booth. No extra bottles. I found these keys on a dead guard... The zombies are right outside. I haven't dared move.
A moment passed.
Then:
Jassica: Screw it. Let's trade.
A system chime followed.
Jassica Moore has initiated a trade request.
Lucas opened the interface, placing the half-consumed water on his end. Jassica offered up all five bloodied keys, the city map, and the university layout.
They both confirmed.
Trade successful! You received: Bloodied Keys x5, Sunhaven City Map, Sunhaven University Campus Map. You gave: 250ml Clean Water.
Jassica: Thank you. You're... you're a good person.
Lucas blinked at the screen. A good person?
She continued.
Jassica: You're the only one who actually offered a fair trade. Others... they messaged me too. Offered a spoonful of food, and asked for... other things in return. Inappropriate pictures. Videos. Gross stuff.
Lucas didn't reply immediately.
Instead, he stared at the keys in his inventory.
A storeroom. A control room. A medical wing.
These weren't just resources.
They were opportunities.
Information. Security. Healing. Survival.
And all it had cost him was half a bottle of water.
His fingers drummed thoughtfully against the keyboard.
This... this might change everything.