I'm playing Frostpunk in Arknights

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"Storm incoming?"

The notification on Wang Zhan's phone answered swiftly:

"The storm will arrive within six days after the Energy Tower is activated for the first time. More storms will follow."

"The weather forecast only shows temperature changes for four days ahead, so it's normal you haven't noticed."

"Is your DLC modeled after Endless Mode?"

In Frostpunk, Endless Mode brings storms to the Energy Tower at regular intervals, with resource points refreshing each time. However, gameplay can feel repetitive.

"More or less. The storms will grow stronger as time goes on, and the environment around the Energy Tower will evolve. You won't find it dull."

"Weather is the greatest enemy in Frostpunk. The struggle against nature is what makes it captivating, don't you agree?"

Wang Zhan chuckled wryly. This felt like him selling dreams to subordinates—cool in concept, but as a player, all he wanted was to curse the game.

"Is peaceful development not an option?"

"Do you have any other suggestions for the patch?"

Wang Zhan sent a list of issues he had encountered during gameplay to Mu Ye, who simply replied, "Working overtime today. The update will roll out tomorrow."

Such a diligent developer.

---

At 2:00 AM, Wang Zhan's alarm rang right on schedule. It was time to enact the next law.

The law he needed now was Extended Shifts, which would allow any workplace to operate for 14 hours. This would apply to the Workshop, ensuring critical technology could be researched before the storm arrived.

With only four days left, Wang Zhan had to prioritize technologies like Heaters, Power Upgrades, Range Upgrades, and Bunkhouses. Together, these would ensure the Energy Tower and its inhabitants could withstand the storm.

Would these upgrades be enough to keep everyone alive?

The exact temperature drop caused by the storm was still unknown, but it was sure to be severe. Wang Zhan suddenly remembered that researching even Tier 1 technologies required a Drawing Board, which would take additional time to create. Would four days really suffice to research everything?

Drowsiness clouding his judgment, Wang Zhan activated Extended Shifts, then went back to bed.

"Whatever we can research, we'll research. The rest is up to fate."

---

"Mr. Zhan, are you still there?"

Dragging his chair back to the screen, Wang Zhan replied, "I'm here. What's up?"

Alina stepped out of her tent, nestled within the inner circle of the camp. The infected had voluntarily given the inner circle to Alina and Talulah.

The bonfire had long since burned out, and most were already asleep.

"Did you enact a new law?" Alina asked softly. "While the Energy Tower's construction depends on your efforts, please don't forget to rest."

She stopped, realizing how strange it was to advise a steel construct to take care of itself.

Wang Zhan chuckled. "You should take your own advice. Why aren't you resting? Is Talulah already out cold?"

"She's exhausted," Alina said, her voice carrying a gentle warmth. "Tomorrow morning, Talulah will set off for the nearest nomadic city. But tonight, she has a clean, warm place to sleep—thanks to you."

Something about her words felt off to Wang Zhan. It was 2:00 AM, and Alina seemed wide awake. Was she troubled?

"Are you still worried about the Oripathy stones?" Wang Zhan asked.

"I've already entrusted Talulah with the task. She's steadfast and thorough, so I can only remind her to be cautious."

Then what was bothering her?

"You're planning far ahead," Alina said after a pause. Her tone was hesitant, as if she were carefully choosing her words. "But… are you uncertain about the future?"

"I'm just trying to prepare for the storm."

"Today felt full," she said wistfully. "I issued laws, coordinated workers, discussed plans with you and Talulah, enjoyed a meal, and taught the children some words…"

"These peaceful days are wonderful, but I know you're anxious about something—planning and worrying about what's to come."

She straightened up, determination in her bright eyes. "If there's anything troubling you, I'd like to help, even if only in a small way."

Her sincerity caught Wang Zhan off guard. For a moment, he felt flustered by her earnestness but also strangely touched. Perhaps it was time to reveal the storm's imminent arrival to her, laying the groundwork for a broader announcement later.

"I have something to tell you." Wang Zhan spoke calmly. "A storm is approaching. It will reach the canyon in four days."

"A storm?"

Alina's eyes widened. Survivors like her had always avoided storms by fleeing their paths. The Energy Tower, however, had no such option—it could only endure the storm's wrath.

She wasn't concerned about the tower itself; she trusted Wang Zhan. What worried her was how the infected would react to the storm.

Most infected who faced storms never survived. If word got out, many might try to escape, abandoning the tower altogether.

And after the storm? Would they return?

"You're right to worry about the storm's consequences," Wang Zhan said, seeing the concern etched on her face. "The worst-case scenario is that the infected leave the Energy Tower."

"And without enough workers, the Energy Tower wouldn't achieve your goals," Alina said, already contemplating solutions. "I can try to convince them to stay!"

Wang Zhan smiled wryly. She was already willing to risk everything.

"Not yet," Wang Zhan replied.

"You have a better plan?"

"The news of the storm doesn't need to be announced immediately."

Alina frowned slightly. "Would you wait until it's too late, leaving them no choice but to stay?"

"Exactly. When they're forced to face the storm, they won't have anywhere else to go."

"You mean to trap them?" Alina asked, her tone uneasy.

Wang Zhan met her gaze through the screen. This situation felt all too familiar.