Tham breathed heavily as he finished sliding a thick metal sheet, completely obscuring another tunnel entrance.
Darkness enveloped him as soon as the outside light was cut off. He switched on his wrist-mounted flashlight again; its beam caught on water droplets clinging to the old concrete wall, reflecting shimmering sparks. Exhaustion gnawed at his body, but his mind was full of hope and determination.
---
### Phase Five: Installing Basic Infrastructure
After handling initial security and gathering a certain level of necessary resources, Tham moved into **Phase Five: Installing Basic Infrastructure**, a complex and highly precise step.
The first thing he started was **building temporary partition walls**. He used scrap materials he had collected, whether old planks, metal, or even thick tarpaulins, to erect walls dividing different zones within the tunnel. These walls weren't strong or durable, but they were sufficient to clearly demarcate areas such as sleeping quarters, a supply storage zone, and a work area.
Next came the **ventilation system**. Tham knew that underground air quality was paramount for survival. He used his knowledge from the future to design a simple yet effective ventilation system. He installed small ventilation pipes made from old plastic pipes found in an abandoned factory. These pipes connected to hidden vents on the surface, with basic air filters made from thick cloth to trap dust and debris. Though not yet perfect, it helped improve air circulation within the tunnel, reducing dampness and unpleasant odors.
For the **drinking water system**, Tham carefully used his multi-tool to clear the area around the underground spring he had discovered. He used old metal sheets and pipes he found to build small gutters to collect water from the spring, directing it into a temporary holding tank. This tank was a large water container he had found in an abandoned warehouse; despite some dents and rust, it was still usable. Tham installed an additional simple water filtration system using layers of sand, charcoal, and gravel to make the water clean enough for consumption. Seeing clear water flowing from the filtration system he built himself gave Tham another boost of hope.
The **backup power system** was another significant challenge. Tham had limited options at the moment, so he focused on creating a basic lighting system. He heavily explored abandoned buildings and factories to collect old batteries, whether car batteries, backup batteries, or even batteries from various electronic devices. He connected these batteries using wires salvaged from building wreckage, creating a small power distribution network for LED bulbs he had scavenged from old advertising signs. At night, the dim lights illuminating the tunnel were like a signal of life and a chance for a new beginning.
---
### Phase Six: Stockpiling and Resource Management
Once the basic infrastructure began to take shape, Tham focused on **Phase Six: Stockpiling and Resource Management**. Having enough food and water was crucial for long-term survival. He organized the supply storage zone into neat sections, using shelves made from old wood or metal sheets found in the tunnel and nearby areas.
**Food** was the first thing he stored. He categorized canned goods, rice, dried beans, and other dried foods. Tham used his knowledge from the future to anticipate the types of food that would be essential and highly nutritious. He prioritized foods with a long shelf life that could provide sufficient energy for survival. Even though he had to be thrifty, he had to ensure that everyone under his care would receive the necessary nutrients. Tham continued to regularly scout for additional supplies, focusing on overlooked sources like small abandoned grocery stores in alleys or old warehouses far from the chaos.
**Water** was stored in several large tanks, which he carefully cleaned and disinfected. He installed a simple water circulation system to keep the water clean and reduce contamination. Tham recognized that water was the most valuable resource, so he planned for its economical and efficient use, including considering the possibility of collecting rainwater in the future.
In addition to food and water, Tham also stored **basic medical supplies**. Various medicines, bandages, disinfectants, and basic first-aid equipment were organized in cabinets made from old wooden boxes. He remembered that in the future, medicine was vitally important for humanity's survival. So, he tried to gather as much of these as he could, even if it was just ordinary pain relievers or fever reducers.
**Tools and equipment** were neatly stored in another zone. Hammers, saws, wrenches, screwdrivers, and other handyman tools were hung neatly on the walls. Tham also organized electrical equipment, backup batteries, and various wires, making them easy to find and use. He believed that having readily available tools would allow him to continuously improve and repair this stronghold.
---
### Phase Seven: Skill Development and Preparation
Despite working hard on construction and gathering supplies, Tham never neglected **Phase Seven: Skill Development and Preparation**. He knew that knowledge and skills would be the most important weapons for survival in a changing world.
He spent his free time **reviewing knowledge from the future** on the tablet he had repaired. He read information about growing crops in confined environments, food processing for preservation, basic machinery repair, and even self-defense strategies. Tham regularly practiced these skills, even if it was simulated training in his imagination. He tried planting some crops in small pots with soil found near the tunnel entrance, experimenting with watering and lighting systems. Even if the results weren't perfect immediately, he learned from his mistakes and continuously improved.
**Physical and mental training** was another aspect Tham prioritized. He regularly ran exercises within the tunnel to maintain his physical condition, ready to face various situations. He also practiced using simple tools and weapons he had found, preparing for self-defense in emergencies. Tham meditated and practiced breathing exercises to control his emotions and thoughts, keeping his mind calm and aware amidst pressure and uncertainty.
Tham also began **planning for communication**. He knew that when the time was right, he would need to contact the people he wanted to invite to this stronghold. So, he started searching for old communication devices, such as walkie-talkies or satellite phones that might still work in some areas. He learned how to transmit and receive radio signals, as well as simple message encryption to maintain secrecy. Being prepared in terms of communication would allow him to gather people and coordinate effectively when the time was right.
---
### Phase Eight: Preparing for Confrontation
As Tham worked relentlessly, he felt an increasing urgency. **Phase Eight: Preparing for Confrontation** began with the realization that the time of disaster was rapidly approaching.
Tham started **strengthening the defense system** at the tunnel's main entrance. Although he didn't yet have enough resources to build permanent walls, he used old metal sheets and large debris to form a preliminary defensive line. He installed simple traps made from barbed wire scraps and sharp metal shards to slow down intruders. Tham regularly checked the alarm system he had installed initially to ensure it was still working properly.
He began to **create an emergency evacuation plan** within the tunnel. Tham identified escape routes and meeting points in case the stronghold was discovered or attacked. He prepared emergency supplies such as emergency first-aid kits, drinking water, and dried food at various points within the tunnel so that everyone could easily access them when needed.
Finally, Tham began **closely assessing the external situation**. He used his tablet to monitor news and information leaking from the internet network that was still partially functioning in some areas. He tried to gather information about Dr. Crane's activities and the Apocalypse Project. Although the information was fragmented and unclear, he tried to piece the story together to understand the impending situation. He watched for signs of the virus outbreak and its impact on society.
In the silent darkness of the tunnel, Tham worked hard alone, but he never felt lonely. He carried humanity's hope on his shoulders, and he knew he had to do everything possible to protect it. Building this "Noah's Ark" was just the beginning of a long journey, but Tham was ready to face every challenge that lay ahead.
Amidst the silent darkness of the tunnel, Tham raised a hand to wipe sweat from his brow. The flashlight beam hit the surface of the water he had collected in the holding tank. The clear water reflected his image, making him feel a small sense of accomplishment amidst the immense mission that still awaited.
While the outside world continued as normal, Tham knew time was running out. His plan might seem reckless and beyond the capability of one person, but he had no other choice. What he was doing now was creating a last chance for humanity… and he would not give up.
---
[You have successfully completed the basic stronghold construction mission. Your reward is **Basic Telekinesis**.]
[Please continue to strive for humanity's survival. You will receive a reward every time you help people from the disaster.]
[The system will return you to your original timeline to prepare for your next mission.]
Tham looked at the system notification. He hadn't expected to receive powers as a reward.
And then the system would send him back to his own time to await the next mission. He couldn't stay in this past indefinitely…
He felt a little disappointed but understood. Perhaps if he completed more missions, he might be able to use the system's power freely.