Seraphina Sullivan looked around the home she had lived in for so long, murmuring to herself:
’Perhaps... continuing to live here really is a problem. With neighbors like these, today’s incident will definitely not be the last. Suspicion, jealousy, guilt-tripping... there will only be more of it in the future.’
’I have the Scavenger’s Farm now—a perfectly safe, portable, private space. A fixed residence doesn’t seem necessary for me anymore...’
’What’s the difference where I live? Perhaps it’s time to consider moving somewhere quieter, safer, or... more hidden.’
A plan to leave began to quietly form in Seraphina Sullivan’s mind.
The Player conflict, the Insectoid Monster attack, and the subsequent neighborhood drama that took place in Seraphina Sullivan’s district in Vorlag City soon spread through local networks and by word of mouth, even sparking controversy in some circles.
Some condemned Sean Chandler for being too ruthless, while others believed his actions were a necessary response to the crisis. Still others felt extremely uneasy about the existence of Players as a group.
However, these controversial discussions were quickly and intentionally suppressed by the authorities.
In this critical period, maintaining social stability and preventing the spread of panic was the top priority. The authorities didn’t want the issue of Players to escalate and incite greater chaos.
The most pressing task for society at the moment was the recovery and reconstruction effort following the torrential rains and floods.
More than a month of extreme weather had dealt a devastating blow to agricultural production, supply warehousing, and logistics across all regions.
Although the floodwaters were receding, countless farms had been submerged. Large quantities of reserve grain and supplies were soaked and contaminated, rendering them completely inedible.
This plunged many cities into a state of severe shortages, especially of food and clean drinking water.
The sharp decline in vital resources rapidly intensified social tensions.
Looting of supermarkets and warehouses, violent conflicts, and even deaths over a single bite of food occurred with increasing frequency across the country.
Order was teetering on a fragile edge.
However, the escalating chaos and supply shortages of the outside world seemed not to affect Seraphina Sullivan’s personal rhythm.
She paid little attention to the online arguments and news of distant violence, instead remaining contentedly in her Scavenger’s Farm and its kitchen, focused on a matter of utmost importance.
Making and storing delicious food.
Looking at the mountain of potatoes piled up in her storage space, Seraphina Sullivan began to plan in earnest.
’Hmm... with this many potatoes, I need to figure out how to turn them into all sorts of delicious foods that can be preserved long-term.’
She tied on an apron, talking her plan through to herself. ’First, I can fry up a huge batch of pork-crackling fries; they’ll be crispy and will keep for a long time. Then I’ll make a few big pots of braised potato chunks—that rich, dark, and savory sauce is the best for serving with rice.’
’Oh, right, I can also make sweet and sour potatoes. They’re sweet, tangy, and great as an appetizer. Wavy Potatoes would be good too, tossed with seasoning they’re so fragrant... I can also prepare some mashed potatoes for a convenient, ready-to-eat option.’
It was as if she intended to try every potato recipe she knew, transforming her abundant supplies into a more diverse and shelf-stable array of food to fully prepare for the lingering uncertainties of the future.
The kitchen of the farm soon filled with all kinds of tempting aromas, creating a stark contrast to the increasingly tense struggle for survival in the outside world.
Just as Seraphina Sullivan was leisurely savoring a batch of freshly made Wavy Potatoes, her phone suddenly started ringing.
She glanced at the screen and was somewhat surprised. It was that guy, Dexter Luther.


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