In the corridor, James Lon stood before a group of weary survivors. Their bodies were deteriorating after days spent in the hallway's confines. Initially, many ventured downstairs to forage grass, but once they realized how difficult it was to meet the daily quota of 100 pounds, enthusiasm waned. Today, only one robust man achieved the target.

James held out a packet of instant noodles, a sausage, and a bottle of water. "Wilson, you were the only one to meet the goal today. Here's your reward."

Wilson accepted the offerings gratefully, "Thank you! Thank you, Master!"

Clutching the precious bottle to his chest, he dared not drink despite his parched throat. Clean water had become more valuable than food with the cessation of utilities, leaving many without a means to purify water. Desperation drove some to drink their own urine, while others attempted to extract water from the newly emerged purple mushrooms. A dangerous gamble, as some mushrooms proved toxic.

The frequent forays downstairs resulted in injuries: slashes from sharp leaves, insect bites, even infections from bird droppings. The improvised infirmary was overwhelmed.

Wot And wove through the crowd with a small medical kit, treating the wounded as best he could using medicinal plants from below and high-proof alcohol provided by James. His ministrations kept the survivors alive, and James found it beneficial. It allowed him to test remedies for potential injuries he might face.

When Wot And discovered effective treatments, like the modified pine needles for external wounds, James instructed the collection of these plants, trading food for them. This simple exchange netted him several hundred pounds of new herbal remedies.

Three types stood out. Mutant pine needles excelled at healing wounds, while blackened cockleburs reduced fevers. The newest discovery was a magical plant that bloomed red flowers similar to old-world roses, though stemless and unarmored. Named "rose grass" by Wot And, it offered miraculous effects for select ailments: fever, infection, inflammation, and even poisoning miraculously reversed in some individuals but useless for others.

The cause of this disparity remained mysterious, yet Wot And, familiar with tailored traditional remedies, accepted it without despair. Unlike the others' bleak hopelessness, he found excitement in this newfound purpose, deeply appreciative of the resources and test subjects afforded by James Lon.

After inspecting the patients, Wot And reported, "They only gathered 30 today, so I gave them three bottles of water."

"Good job. I'll replenish the water supply," James replied, storing the rose grass in his spatial backpack.

Well aware that some might hoard these plants, he wasn't concerned; the herbs deteriorated quickly, rendering such attempts futile.

After James and Wot And departed, tension eased among the survivors. Wilson retreated to a corner, delighted to share his bounty with his wife and child amidst the harsh realities they faced. Keeping the quick-to-spoil sausage for immediate consumption, they reserved the noodles for Wilson's breakfast, ensuring he had enough strength to work the next day.

Clean water, a precious rarity, was carefully hidden under their child's pillow, symbolizing its value.

As night descended, the survivors succumbed to restless slumber, save for those in pain. Whether they would survive the night remained uncertain, and few cared enough to wonder.

In the darkness, three men lay awake, stomachs gnawing, eyes fixed jealously on Wilson's family.

"Damn! Why should Meng have food when we don't?"

"Yeah! James Lon's exploiting us for grass while hoarding all the food!"

"That damn convenience store clerk with his stash. I used to earn more in a day than he does in a month, and now look at him!"

"He's got all that food and won't share!"

"I can't live like this. Let's take it from James Lon!"

"Quiet, someone might hear!"

"Easy for you to say! You think you can take him on? He strangled Zhou Tianhao with one hand! He's probably got powers!"

"He's human. He sleeps. We ambush him—he's done for!"

"Right, that bastard stole all the girls. He's got to be deep asleep by now."

"He won't let us near floor 28. How'll we get in?"

"He mentioned 3202 once when delivering supplies. I know where to break in."

The spark of conspiracy spread amongst them. "How?"

"We climb to the roof, rappel down to 33, then to 32. I've got climbing gear."

"What if we're caught above 28? That'd be bad."

"Please! Middle of the night, you think he's supervising when there's a whole flock of girls to cozy up to?"

"Climbing's dangerous in the dark."

"Danger's nothing. We starve here! Better a chance on a full stomach."

"I don't know..."

"Think about it—Shirley's a looker. Don't you want her?"

That ignited a fire in him, hot and urgent. "Alright... Let's do it."

"Let's do it!"

"But first, Meng's stashed a bottle of water and noodles—let's take them."

Agreement reached, they crept towards Wilson's family.

In slumber, Wilson sensed something amiss, heart pounding awake to find three figures looming, knives gleaming cruelly.

A hand clamped his mouth shut before he could shout.

It was over quickly, Wilson and his family collapsed motionless.

Nearby survivors feigned sleep, terror paralyzing them into silence as the trio fled with their spoils into the stairwell.

Seated on his sofa, James Lon gently stroked a black cat, eyes on the stairway. Through his perception, the trio's forms blazed a dangerous red. After stealing Wilson's provisions, they made a stealthy ascent.

Confident in their stealth, they remained unaware of James's comprehensive awareness.

"Looking for trouble," James mused, dismissing the cat as it protested being moved, tail flicking in haughty annoyance.