Yao Yiyi and her group drove the car from the site of their earlier mishap. Fortunately, the team that had rescued them hadn’t left yet.
Not only that, but the team even agreed to accompany them to the base, which left them both surprised and delighted.
On the Way to Base No. 3
“What’s going to happen to our squad now?” someone asked in a low voice.
The five of them fell silent.
They were mourning teammates who had perished to mutated creatures and worrying about their own uncertain futures. Their squad had suffered heavy losses, leaving only the five of them. Their strength was greatly diminished, and their best option seemed to be disbanding and joining other teams.
“If only we could join their team,” Chu Yu remarked wistfully.
Yao Yiyi hesitated. “But they’re here to find someone… They probably won’t stay in City B for long.”
In the apocalypse, joining a strong team was undoubtedly one of the best ways to increase survival chances. For instance, in Base No. 3, the renowned Dragon-Tiger Squad was highly sought after, with many people—including numerous ability users—eager to join. The squad’s contribution points from missions were the envy of many.
“That’s only because they haven’t seen our Base No. 3 yet. Once they do, they’ll understand the benefits of staying here,” Chu Yu said confidently.
She had been to smaller bases in the surrounding areas during her missions, and none compared to theirs. Even her brother-in-law had said that no base in nearby provinces or cities could rival Base No. 3.
Yao Yiyi wasn’t as optimistic. While she agreed their base was excellent, she doubted the group would choose to stay. Even if they did, it was uncertain whether they’d allow her group to join.
The reason Base No. 3 was named so was because the nearest street before the apocalypse was called Third Street. The name made it easy for people to locate the safe base.
Arrival at Base No. 3
When Ruan Ning and her team arrived at Base No. 3, they saw the outer wall being reconstructed. Judging by its height—three to four meters—it was being built atop the old one.
“Brother Gu was right. This base is indeed much stronger than ours in City S,” Lin Yang commented as he surveyed the area.
Ruan Ning didn’t say anything, but her expression clearly showed she agreed.
The towering walls, rows of armed soldiers with stern faces, and lines of survivors waiting to enter the base all created a desolate yet oddly vibrant atmosphere.
Ruan Ning had only read about such grand and imposing apocalyptic bases in books. She hadn’t expected to see and experience it in person.
She had once thought City S’s base was decent, but the comparison revealed how much it lagged behind Base No. 3 in terms of infrastructure and organization.
Through the car window, she observed people waiting to enter the base. Despite their varying expressions, a glimmer of hope shone in their eyes.
Even the young men and women in the vehicle behind them—members of a small squad—still exuded the vitality of youth, free from the despair often associated with apocalyptic life.
Such a sight was a testament to the success of Base No. 3. It had managed to provide safety and security to many in the harsh apocalypse.
Gu Yicheng had heard of Base No. 3 in his previous life and had some knowledge of its basic situation. Moreover, the first healing ability user he had encountered was from this base.
If he could find that person, he might be able to uncover the unique nature of Ning Ning’s healing ability.
—
There were three entry lanes to the safe base.
After getting out of the car, Ruan Ning observed for a moment and figured out the layout. One lane was for ability users, another for ordinary people, and the third for teams returning from missions.
“You can actually use this lane with us,” Chu Yu suggested. Remembering their earlier conversation in the car, she didn’t want to miss the chance to join such a strong team. Summoning her courage, she continued, “If you use this lane, you can submit your team documents directly at the entrance instead of waiting inside to apply. And since you’re looking for someone, you can post the information at the task hall’s small window at the far end, where there’s a lot of traffic. It might speed things up.”
“We can also help you search,” Chu Yu added, including her teammates.
“Thank you for the reminder, Miss Chu, but we can handle the rest on our own,” Xue Chen replied.
“You saved us; it’s the least we can do,” Chu Yu said, disappointed but resigned. “If you need anything, feel free to find us. Our team is in Area B, No. 23.”
From the moment they got out of the car, Xue Chen had become the nominal leader of their newly formed team. Although he didn’t understand why Young Master Gu had assigned him the role—since Gu Yicheng was clearly more capable—Xue Chen trusted his judgment. Following orders was enough for him.
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