"System, how do I use the Space Expansion Card?"

​"Host, hold the card in your hand, visualize in your mind what area you want to expand, and release the card."

​Leo held the card in his palm, pictured the interior of the truck’s compartment, and let it go.

​Particles of light immediately gathered at the rear end of the compartment. The metal walls trembled slightly, as if the vehicle itself were breathing. Under Leo’s astonished gaze, the rear section slowly stretched outward. When the light finally faded, a brand-new space had appeared between the bathroom and the back door.

​He reached out and touched the newly formed wall. The cold metal felt completely real. Even with the memories of another life and his naturally calm temperament, he found it difficult to suppress the shock in his heart.

​Next, he picked up the Skywell Atmospheric Extractor card and released it into the new space. Leo had realized just yesterday that he needed to find a way to collect clean water soon, making this extractor an unexpected boon.

​The machine resembled a compact water purifier with a sturdy metal casing. Several pipes ran from the top of the unit up to the roof of the truck to draw moisture from the air, which was then filtered and stored inside a built-in tank.

​With the extractor adjusted, Leo turned his attention to his card belt, which was getting too congested. He began releasing the cards one by one to arrange their contents in the empty spaces.

​First, he collected water in the rice cooker, added some rice, and plugged it into the outlet. He arranged his newly obtained sniper rifle, sword, and machete at the back of the truck, and put his fresh meat and vegetables into the fridge.

​By the time he finished organizing, the rice cooker beeped to indicate the food was ready. He searched through the containers to take out a pan, a bowl, and a chopping board, washing the utensils with a bit of water. After slicing the meat and vegetables into small pieces, he powered on the induction cooktop and placed the frying pan on top. Using a little oil, salt, and spices, Leo cooked a simple stir-fry.

​Once the meal was ready, he scooped some rice into his bowl and ate until he was full. Afterward, he lay down on his bed to take a quick, one-hour nap.

​When Leo woke up, he felt completely refreshed and full of energy.

​"Ok, let’s take a quick look around this area. Now that I am self-sufficient, I need to figure out what is going on in this area."

​He sat in the driver’s seat and pressed his thumb against the ignition. The truck’s engine started with a low rumble.

​As Leo drove around, he realized he was in a small town. He didn’t see any zombies roaming the streets, guessing that they had all been attracted by the noise and buried under the rubble the previous night.

​Even though the town was safe for the time being, he decided it was best to leave. From his earlier conversation with the system, he knew that the longer the apocalypse lasted, the stronger the mutants and zombies would become. If he wanted to get stronger, he had to actively hunt them.

​The existence of the serum cards also indicated that he might not be the only person with supernatural powers. The government and other surviving humans likely had superpower users among them. There might even be other transmigrators, each possessing a system of their own.

​He was already one year behind the starting line.

​The thought filled Leo with a sudden sense of urgency. If others had spent a whole year growing stronger while he had only just arrived, every wasted day would only widen the gap. With that in mind, a clear plan for his future took shape.

​He stopped the truck and went back into the compartment to prepare.

​When Leo returned to the driver’s cabin, his appearance had completely changed. He now wore a black tactical combat suit. Composite armor plates protected his chest, shoulders, arms, and legs, and numerous pouches were attached to his vest. Combined with his calm expression, he looked less like a simple survivor and more like a professional hunter preparing for a battlefield.

​This was the rare card he had obtained previously: the Ranger Tactical Armor. The description on the card read:

​"A lightweight tactical combat suit built for survival in dangerous environments. It features a ballistic vest reinforced with composite armor plates, along with protective guards for the shoulders, arms, and legs. Designed to balance protection and mobility, the armour provides effective defense against zombie bites, claws, shrapnel, and other common threats while remaining comfortable for extended use."

​Inside the vest pouches, he slotted the Glock 17 pistols he had obtained earlier, all loaded with full ammunition.

​Leo took the driver’s seat once more and started the truck, aiming for the major cities where the real dangers and rewards awaited.

​But before he could even exit the town, he suddenly slammed on the brakes. Blocking the road directly ahead of him stood a man holding a makeshift spear.