Chapter 2

Our college was surrounded by mountains and was quite remote. The last time my classmates and I headed up to the mountains to train, I found a cave by accident when I got engrossed with the scenery and got separated from the rest.

The cave was cool and spacious, and even had a little pool with spring water flowing into it from a crevice. This was the perfect hiding spot.

After deciding on the hiding spot, I quickly began my plan to hoard provisions. I started by visiting the supermarket nearest to the college and bought most of the bottled water they had in stock. After that, I bought ten boxes each of instant ramen and canned food, as well as several large packs of snacks and chips.

I also purchased large quantities of medical supplies for common illnesses like heat stroke and fever from the drugstore. I had to forgo items such as ice cream due to a lack of proper equipment.

When the store owners questioned my purchase, I told them that there was an upcoming college activity and I had to buy enough for all the students. After that, I borrowed a van from one of the owners to move my purchases to the mountain.

Before I left, I hinted to the owner about the upcoming heatwave. “My parents work in the meteorological bureau, and they warned me about a major heatwave striking in several days. I'm not sure how long it's going to last, but I'd advise you to watch over your provisions and prevent others from robbing you."

He might think I was crazy if I told him the temperature would rise about 100 degrees Fahrenheit. There was no other choice but to save myself first, and that was the best I could do to warn him.

I arrived at the cave soon, and the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the chill in the air and hear the sound of flowing water. I spent half the day sorting out my purchases in the cave, and by the time I was done, it was night.

Initially, I wanted to spend the night inside the cave, but I had nowhere to sleep and no clean clothes to change into. The cave was filled with hard rocks that were not suited for sleeping on. Moreover, I still had five huge boxes of bottled water back in the hostel. What if they found my water and managed to get through the heatwave? The thought of this was worse than getting killed.

There was no other choice but to return the van to the store owner and make a trip back to college. Before I left the store, I thought of something and bought another huge box of items from the store owner.

It was getting dark, and just as I was about to sneak away with my things, Howard suddenly appeared in front of my hostel. "Do you have any idea what time it is? Why are you back so late?" He questioned sullenly.

"We're all adults, and it's not even nine yet. Why are you being such a control freak?" I replied unhappily.

"You're a smart mouth, aren't you? Can't you see I'm just worried for your safety? Besides, you might be sneaking out to do something illegal. I've seen lots of village hicks like you. One look at a glamorous city, and you get seduced like a simpleton," Howard said while looking at me condescendingly.

Even though I was angry, I held back my temper. "You're mistaken, Mr. Enders. I went out to myself to buy a box of bottled water because I'm not used to the water in college." With that, I showed him the box of bottled water in my hand.

"You're pretty dainty for a man, aren't you? What a standard sissy. You probably have problems with an erection too. I'll give you a chance to reinstate your manliness. I'll invite some ladies over for a get-together later. As the only male student present, you should show them what you're made of."

I frowned at the suggestion. "Actually, I'm a little tired. Why don't we do this another day?"

"Another day?! Stop dilly-dallying! All the ladies are waiting for you. Don't you have any team spirit? You never learn, do you?"