My Childhood Friend Turned Yandere in the Apocalypse

"Collin, how much food do we have in storage, and are our crops ready to harvest?"

Since Rin had started preparing for the apocalypse years ago, the first thing he ensured was that they had enough food. He had made preparations for around 1,000 people.

But he had not accounted for so many more mouths to feed. He already had over 250 people in his settlement, and now there were likely 200 more.

"Sir, we still need to wait a month before we can harvest anything. We have enough supplies left for 40 days. We will have more once the scout team comes back with whatever they find."

The butler quickly assured Rin but that was still bad. There was not enough food for 200 people.

’Asking the system would be useless too. Is there truly no way to help the phoenix settlement without putting ourselves at risk?’

[User, there is no need to be disappointed. It is the fate of those people to turn to the system for help. Nothing good will come from trying to resist fate.]

That sounded like a warning.

The system was weird. Sometimes it was lenient and even gave Rin benefits that seemed broken, but then it turned around and became strict about the story and specific events.

Still, not even trying to change things left a bad taste in Rin’s mouth.

"Collin, prepare 3 days’ worth of rations quickly and make sure it’s enough for around 200 people. There’s a settlement I’m considering helping. If things go according to plan, we might be able to bring more people back."

His butler had a weird expression on his face. It wasn’t quite disappointment, but it was close

"Sir, are you sure we should take this burden? I know you have a good heart, but we are almost at full capacity. Things could become dangerous for us if we are not careful. I don’t want to question your choice, but maybe we should turn them away"

Collin’s advice was the same as the system.

’Maybe this is why the original Rin turned away the phoenix’s guild request.’

In the original novel, no one was ready for the apocalypse. Even the MC’s settlement was starving for resources. It would be impossible for anyone to even think about helping others over themselves.

But things were different this time.

"I know that things are tight, and that’s why I’m only asking for three days’ worth of rations. We can manage that much, right?"

Collin sighed and nodded.

"I will see what we can do. Should I load it onto the truck?"

Rin nodded before he checked the ability list again.

"I will select a team to take with me. Tell Reina to get ready to head out."

Rin was only going to take one healer with him but he was sure Reina would be able to handle things well.

[User, this is all wasted effort. But since you are so desperate to fail, the system will allow you to continue. Please be prepared for the penalty for making unapproved changes.]

The system screen went blank after that ominous message. Rin had a feeling that he was doing something the system had not accounted for.

But if he stopped now then he would be left with regrets.

’Let’s try. Even if it all fails, I don’t want to think about ’what if’s.’’

It took some time to get things ready. The 10-person team Rin had selected looked nervous but prepared to move out.

Rin had decided to not take Shelly, Teressa or even Albus with him. But somehow, they were already in the truck when he got in.

"Don’t try to send us back. I have a feeling you will need their help."

Albus sounded serious so Rin allowed them to come with him. The team arrived at a settlement that was barely holding together.

The first thing they saw was a dead body right outside the gate. It looked drained with no meat left on its bones

"This is not normal. It has not even been a week since the apocalypse started. Usually, it takes about 2-3 weeks for someone to die from starvation."

Reina made a quick observation as she knelt beside the body She checked on it before immediately pulling back with a hiss.

"It seems like these people did not die of starvation but of thirst. Don’t drink any local water until I’ve tested it. I think it’s contaminated. And if so, then it might already be too late."

"Why? Can’t you heal them with your powers?"

"Don’t be a fool. Just how many people do you think I can pull back from the verge of death? Do you want me to put myself at risk for these strangers?"

Reina was not a cold person, but she did prioritize herself above others. Her straightforward way of thinking was what helped her keep her head cool.

Her words made others uncomfortable, but no one could come out and say anything to her about her choice. After all, anyone else in her position would have done the same

"Should we head back? I don’t think we will be of much help here."

Albus had a frown on his face as he looked around the settlement. And Rin saw the point in his words.

This settlement didn’t seem worth saving.

[User, the system kept telling you this. But you chose to ignore the system and move forward anyway. The system is not liable for any losses you may suffer here.]

The system had been quiet until now, but it suddenly became active. Rin was about to tell everyone to turn back when his radio picked up another signal.

He picked up the radio and the same desperate voice from before reached his ear.

"H-Help us. T-There are children in here that n-need help. P-Please, come in and save u-us-"

The sound of children crying reached Rin’s ear next. There were too many voices. But more importantly, they all sounded clear.

"This is surely a trap. A dry throat wouldn’t be able to make those sounds."

Reina quickly pointed that out and Rin immediately signalled for them to get in the truck and get out of here.

Unfortunately, it was far too late. Something rushed toward Rin—then shot past him. A barrier formed around them, dragging them into a subspace that formed around them.

"W-What is happening? What is this place?"

Someone asked, and Rin recognized what was happening with a sinking heart.

"We were dragged into a dungeon. Darn it! This is not good."

Albus cursed under his breath as he looked around