"As long as we can live until that time..."
The masked man's words sent an ominous premonition through Geng Xingshu.
His statement was like a direct message to Geng Xingshu, implying that this month would not pass peacefully. Only a small fraction of people might survive until the end, or perhaps none of them would even make it through the month.
This meant that during this process, there would undoubtedly be food that threatened their lives.
Within this square space enclosed by walls, there were four deep passages, one in each direction. No one knew what lay beyond them.
It could be traps that endangered lives, it could be ferocious beasts, it could be that stepping out of an exit would lead back to the world they knew...
In short, anything could appear beyond, and Geng Xingshu wouldn't even be surprised if his dreamed-of giant robots showed up.
Under such circumstances, it was difficult to speculate about what specifically threatened their lives.
Perhaps some would perish due to external threats, perhaps some would sacrifice themselves due to food shortages, or perhaps they would even be killed by others!
Here, there were only high walls and no legal constraints. The beasts within many people's hearts would be unleashed.
For example, among the more than ten people who entered, several were exceptionally attractive. These women might become a fuse for conflict in the future.
Geng Xingshu analyzed many possibilities in the blink of an eye. If it were his former self, he would have already been in complete panic. However, after encountering many strange things at the Foundation, Geng Xingshu had become calmer.
For now, Geng Xingshu had thought this far. As for what he would do if those women were in danger, he would consider it later.
Geng Xingshu dared not guarantee whether he would intervene, collude with others, or stand by and protect himself when events unfolded.
He simply recited repeatedly a passage he had heard when he joined the Foundation.
'This world is far more complex than you see, and humanity is constantly under threat from the alien.'
'And in such a world, nothing can protect humanity forever except humanity itself.'
'Therefore, the purpose of the Foundation's establishment is to protect the survival of human civilization, discover threats, control threats, and contain threats.'
'We will be the tireless guardians of human civilization, using firm shields to resist invasion and sharp swords to slay enemies, today, every day, forever.'
He thought of these not to immediately act, but to constantly remind himself what kind of person he should be and not to make blind, wrong decisions.
"If I can't even handle this situation, what right do I have to be a tireless guardian?"
Geng Xingshu seemed to instantly gain energy, straightening his chest and looking at the screen, his eyes burning with a fiery fighting spirit.
Following behind Geng Xingshu was the man with slightly smaller eyes, who was, of course, Wen Wen.
When these people were brought in, they were all unconscious, with bicycle locks fitted onto their mouths and then casually thrown on the ground.
Only Wen Wen had leisurely found a good spot and lay down himself.
He looked at Geng Xingshu with satisfaction. Regardless of what Geng Xingshu did in the future, his current performance at least qualified him as a Foundation employee.
At least Wen Wen saw a special brilliance in his eyes, the kind that only those who knew what they were holding onto could display.
In the venue, at least two other people showed the same expression as Geng Xingshu; they were both Foundation staff members.
"Gargle gargle gargle, it seems you understand what's going on."
The masked man on the screen, Jidro the Magic Mirror, cackled eerily.
"Then I will continue. I am a very kind person and cannot bear to see people starve, so I will give you food."
"There are five other safe venues like yours. Every day, I will randomly drop five food supply boxes. Each portion of food is enough for twenty people for a day, and sometimes one portion might last you for several days... as long as you can find it."
Five locations, five portions of food...
Geng Xingshu immediately realized that their activity area was definitely not limited to these five 'safe' venues; there should be other 'unsafe' venues.
And they might need to explore unsafe venues to find food.
"Of course, to add some fun to this 'survival game,' besides the food supply boxes, I will also drop a surprise box every day. Remember, the surprise will be upgraded daily."
Jidro spoke until his throat was dry, arrogantly placing his foot on the table.
"On the first day, I will also give you an equipment box. The key to unlock the bicycle locks on your mouths is inside. You can distribute the remaining equipment yourselves."
"I've said all I need to say. Now I'll start watching the show!"
After Jidro finished, the large screen went black, and everyone looked at each other.
Then, a box with a diameter of two meters fell from somewhere, smashing onto the center of the venue. The huge sound startled everyone.
People crowded around, found a wooden stick, and pried open the box. Inside, they found a key, some medicines, a large iron pot, about twenty plastic basins, three handguns, two bows, one crossbow, and a few knives and swords.
Upon seeing the contents, a burly man lunged forward and snatched two handguns. Seeing his action, the others also scrambled to grab things.
Geng Xingshu sighed and, amidst the chaos, managed to grab two daggers and the key. He then threw one of the daggers and the key to the slender, small-eyed man beside him.
He had secretly checked his belongings earlier. The exoskeleton gloves he had developed before sleeping were still on him, which ensured his own safety.
At Geng Xingshu's gesture, Wen Wen used the key to unlock the bicycle lock on Geng Xingshu's neck. After Geng Xingshu unlocked Wen Wen's lock, he passed the lock out so they could open their own locks.
While everyone was unlocking, Geng Xingshu observed them.
Including himself, there were thirteen men and six women present.
The most noteworthy was the burly man who had grabbed the guns. After securing the firearms, he was also observing everyone present with high vigilance.
However, there might be hidden experts among these people, so Geng Xingshu did not underestimate anyone else.
But from the initial scene of scrambling for items, Geng Xingshu was not optimistic about the next month. He knew that everyone cooperating wholeheartedly was the best way to get through this month, but he couldn't make others share his resolve.