Kingdom of Corrosion

Lin Wu woke up and dusk had already fallen, the rain showing no signs of letting up. According to the weather forecast on the radio, this kind of weather will continue for at least another two days. However, the broadcast only mentioned the rain but was completely silent about South Reservoir, a silence that those who understand, understand.

Snow Egg made three diesel lamps, an upgraded version of kerosene lamps, which frankly weren’t very bright, but they were better than nothing. Dinner was self-heating meals, just throw in the pot and heat it up. They used cloth strips for energy, and the kitchen was set up in the bathroom of the office. The original owner of this office was a smoker, so it was equipped with a high-power exhaust fan and specially designed for rapid smoke removal through the structure of the bathroom and the windows opposite each other.

Everyone sat down, discussing retreat directions while eating. As the leader, Stone made a self-critique, admitting that despite objective circumstances, he should have established a city-centered strategic approach from the beginning aimed at effectively managing a single shelter.

Lin Wu accepted Stone’s apology on behalf of everyone, Stone puffing his cheeks and glaring, nearly smearing Lin Wu’s face with a bowl of rice.

Shana said, "There are shelters in the Northern Desert, East Plains, Western Peninsula, and Southern Mountain Range."

Stone added, "I’ve arranged for some supplies to be hidden in each direction, but we shouldn’t hold out hope given the scale of the refugees."

"What’s our direction for retreat?"

Lin Wu saw everyone looking at him, a mouthful of rice in his mouth, pointed to himself, "Me? You really are bold."

Stone said, "Stop the chatter and speak."

Lin Wu, not fearing to speak his mind, said, "First, exclude the shelters. Survivors know about these places and the massive movement towards them is bound to cause issues eventually. The Western Peninsula would be a wise choice for many as, compared to the mountains, there is an abundant supply of food in the ocean, but the number of smart people there makes it not a good option. Survival in the mountains is difficult, the acquisition of food difficult, and predators, venomous snakes, and insects increase the safety risks."

Lin Wu continued, "I believe the place with the fewest people is northward, the desert."