The Apocalyptic Queen Back From Hell-Chapter 88: Choosing Items

She shook her head. "They’re locked behind higher clearance. We can’t access them yet."

Ling Yu tapped her fingers lightly against her knee. "So, you’ve seen the shop interface."

Nie Ziyu leaned forward eagerly. "Yeah, it’s like— like this glowing catalog. You can swipe through rows of items, potions, tools. Some even have little previews, like holograms. But most of the good stuff is greyed out with a padlock icon. You need achievements, levels, or sponsor approval to unlock them."

Ye Qingxue nodded. "And the prices. Ridiculous. A simple dagger is ten coins. A vial of healing water is twenty. Who can afford that when the system only gives out coins like miserly breadcrumbs?"

Ling Yu’s lips curved faintly. "That’s the point. To force desperation."

Song’s gaze never left her. "Which is why I didn’t spend a single coin. Desperation makes people reckless. Better to save for when the cost is unavoidable."

Nie Ziyu groaned again. "Yeah, except when a zombie’s claw is in your face, you’ll wish you’d bought that overpriced dagger."

Song didn’t reply. He didn’t have to. His silence was as immovable as a wall, and even Nie Ziyu eventually muttered under his breath and looked away.

Ling Yu studied Song for a long moment, her eyes searching his unreadable expression.

’He hasn’t changed,’ she thought.

’Even now, he hoards every coin, every resource, always thinking three steps ahead. Always protecting me, whether I ask or not.’

Her chest tightened faintly, both in relief and gratitude. And something else she didn’t quiet want to name.

Breaking the silence, Ling Yu rose to her feet, Fluffy climbing onto her shoulder again. "Good. Then here’s what we’ll do. Qingxue, keep ignoring those sponsors until one proves themselves useful without risk. Nie Ziyu, don’t despair. A grey window today doesn’t mean it will remain grey tomorrow. And Song..." She paused, meeting his eyes. "Thank you for keeping the coins safe. I think it’s almost time, let’s get the kids some decent weapons and things."

"Wait, what?!" Nie Ziyu was surprised to hear her words, but at the same time, excited as well.

For a moment, Ling Yu and Song’s gazes locked with each other. Hers calm but firm, and his steady but carrying a faint flicker of hesitation. Then he inclined his head in a small nod. "As you wish, Master."

Nie Ziyu threw up his hands again. "Ugh, there he goes, all obedient! You two—" He cut himself off when Ling Yu shot him a cool look. "Fine, fine. I’ll shut up."

Ye Qingxue smirked faintly. "Probably the smartest thing you’ve said all day."

Fluffy chirped in agreement, snuggling against Ling Yu’s neck.

For the first time in what felt like hours, Ling Yu allowed herself to breathe easier. The storm outside was still raging, the world still collapsing, but here, at least for now, she had her people.

She gestured, and the translucent blue window shimmered before them, revealing a list of purchasable items.

[System Shop – Common Tier]

[Rusted Iron Sword – 50 coins

Basic Leather Armor – 75 coins

Health Potion (Small) – 20 coins

Mana Potion (Small) – 30 coins

Torch Bundle – 10 coins]

[Uncommon Tier (Locked – requires sponsor contract)]

[Silver Edge Dagger – 200 coins

Defensive Talisman – 300 coins

Healing Elixir – 500 coins]

"Cheap products to scam people..." Ling Yu muttered as she narrowed her eyes.

Nie Ziyu’s eyes shone at the sight of weapons. "If we just buy a sword, even a cheap one, we’d be safer—"

"No." Song’s voice cut her off, firm. "A rusted sword won’t save you against a monster stronger than yourself. It will only weigh you down."

Ye Qingxue bit her lip. "But... we can’t rely on fists forever."

Song’s hand tightened over the satchel again. "We’ll find better in the field. For free without others’ help."

Ling Yu watched him quietly, her mind already racing ahead. In her past life, these early shops had swallowed countless survivors’ hard-earned coins, only to leave them crippled when sponsors demanded offerings, when higher-tier items appeared. Song was right, every coin now was a lifeline later.

She leaned back, voice smooth. "Song is right. Don’t be impatient. What you see now is only bait. The true price will reveal itself soon enough."

Her companions fell silent, unease settling in their chests. Only Ling Yu looked perfectly calm, her fingers stroking Fluffy’s soft feathers as the little beast nestled into her arm.

Soon, she would follow Shen Ming to his camp, pretending interest, weaving her way into his schemes. But here, with her own people, she had already planted the seeds she needed: suspicion of sponsors, distrust of false aid, and reliance on her guidance above all else.

In this apocalypse, strength wasn’t just about weapons or skills. It was about foresight. And foresight was something Ling Yu had in abundance.

Ling Yu’s eyes swept across her companions, taking in their expressions with a cool, calculating calm. This was the moment she had been preparing for. The chaos outside, the bloodied streets, the monsters that had been defeated, they were all just mere distractions. It was now that came the part that required finesse, precision, and foresight.

"Alright," Ling Yu began, her voice clear and commanding, "before we move out, I need to know one thing: which weapons are you most skilled with? Think carefully."

Nie Ziyu blinked, his youthful face set in a serious expression, despite the exhaustion lingering there. "I... I’m best with a bow and arrows," he said, hesitating slightly as he remembered how useless his bare hands had felt against the first wave of monsters.

Ye Qingxue, ever graceful, held her chin high and replied softly, "I’ve always been adept with swords... particularly long swords, though I can manage shorter blades if needed."

Song’s eyes narrowed slightly, a quiet confidence simmering beneath his calm demeanor. "I’ve trained with many forms, but I’m most comfortable with a spear. Long reach, versatile in both offense and defense."

Ling Yu nodded, already running calculations in her head. These were all preliminary choices.