Apocalypse Chapter 79: Joint Mission

Chapter 79: Joint Mission

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

The Peace Base wasn’t without its merits. In fact, there were many aspects worth the Spark Base learning from. What caught Jiang Rong’s attention most was the Peace Base’s power and communications systems. Inside the Peace Base, there was civilian electricity, and cell phone signals worked throughout the base.

To the north of the Peace Base, there was a thermal power plant capable of generating enough electricity to cover the entire base—and then some. The people at Peace Base had prepared themselves for Jiang Rong to ask for electricity, but all Jiang Rong’s group did was marvel with envy before moving on.

The power from the plant was far better than solar or diesel generators, and of course Jiang Rong wanted stable electricity. But if he asked Meng Liang directly, it would mean handing over a vital lifeline to the Peace Base. If conflict ever arose between the two bases, the Peace Base could simply cut off the electricity, leaving the Spark Base’s critical infrastructure in the dark.

Compared to that, Jiang Rong would rather have their own power plant. But the Spark Base was different—fewer people, and building a power plant would require massive manpower and resources.

He wrote the words “power plant” in his notebook, then added “etc.” afterward.

Though the Spark Base couldn’t build a power plant now, as long as the base developed steadily, sooner or later they would be able to attract skilled technicians and build their own.

While civilian power was a problem they couldn’t solve immediately, the communications issue could be fixed. After friendly negotiations, the Peace Base sent a technical team of a hundred to assist the Spark Base in restoring communication signals.

Jiang Rong’s group stayed at the Peace Base for three days. During that time, the leaders of both bases held several cordial meetings. On the morning of the fourth day, it was time to leave.

Jiang Rong shook Meng Liang’s hand politely. “Thank you, President Meng, for helping us solve such a big problem.”

Meng Liang gave a weak smile. “It was the least I could do. We at the Peace Base also rely on the Spark Base sometimes. This time, you came to my base not only with fresh produce, but also with many seed varieties. I don’t even know how to thank you.”

Meng Liang’s gaze grew somber as he looked toward the Spark Base’s direction. “These past few nights, in my dreams, I kept wondering what kind of base the Spark Base really is. To produce so many goods, it must be beautiful. It’s a pity my body is failing—I can hardly leave this building. Otherwise, I would truly like to visit the Spark Base.”

Although Jiang Rong remained cautious around Meng Liang, he couldn’t help but respond softly at the sight of the sick man’s dimmed eyes.

“There will be many opportunities in the future. President Meng, please take good care of your health. When you recover, you’re always welcome at the Spark Base.”

Meng Liang smiled faintly and shook Jiang Rong’s hand once more. “I look forward to that day.”

Watching Jiang Rong and his group slowly depart, Meng Liang’s eyes shone brightly like two silver lanterns. The espers beside him remained expressionless, their pupils reflecting the same silver light.

***

Jiang Rong’s group had received a warm welcome upon arrival, so naturally they were sent off with the same enthusiasm. People gathered at the gate, beating drums and gongs. After several waves of greeting, Jiang Rong’s group finally boarded their vehicles for the return trip.

Zhou Xing led the convoy from the front, escorting Jiang Rong’s group to a checkpoint ten miles outside the Peace Base. Under smooth conditions, the drive wouldn’t take long.

But when the convoy stopped near the checkpoint again, they saw Zhou Xing furiously shouting into his walkie-talkie.

“Everyone’s gone?!”

A string of curses spilled from his mouth.

“Zombies? My ass! Open your eyes wide—how could there be zombies in broad daylight?!”

Once Zhou Xing finished ranting, Chu Qiang asked with concern, “What’s wrong? Why the sudden outburst?”

Zhou Xing scratched his cheek, frustrated. “I shouldn’t be angry in such an important situation, but the people down there were ridiculous. I didn’t mind them failing the task, but they started spreading nonsense about seeing zombies. Can you believe that?”

Everyone nodded knowingly. No wonder Zhou Xing was so mad. If there really were zombies, surviving after the Great Crisis would be even harder for ordinary people. Nearly a year had passed since the Great Crisis, and nobody believed in zombies anymore.

Chiang Jinhu tried to calm him. “Don’t be upset, Old Zhou. They’re probably just making excuses because they’re scared of your scolding. Talk to them properly when you get back, and if it gets too troublesome, let us know.”

Zhou Xing’s anger finally subsided. “Captain Jiang, brothers, a thousand-mile send-off means a final farewell. I’ll see you next time for a good meal and drinks!”

Jiang Rong smiled and nodded. “Safe travels. Take care.”

Watching Zhou Xing’s vehicles disappear in the rearview mirror, Jiang Rong heard three rhythmic knocks on the radio. The convoy drove a few more miles before stopping again. Chiang Jinhu and the others scanned every vehicle with their devices. Once they confirmed nothing unusual was aboard, everyone finally relaxed. Pan Pan exhaled deeply. “It’s said to always be wary of others, but if you’re on guard all the time, you’ll wear yourself out.”

At that moment, the flow of their powers quieted for the first time in days. Operating their abilities nonstop without rest had been exhausting. Jiang Rong glanced back toward the Peace Base. Though over ten miles away, the silhouette of the Peace Tower still stood clearly.

Guan Shao spoke softly, “Still worried about Meng Liang?”

Jiang Rong nodded slightly. “Though he looks close to death, I have a feeling something isn’t right.”

Chu Qiang cheerfully replied, “Xiao Jiang, don’t worry. With Meng’s health, who knows how long he’ll last? And now that we’re leaving the Peace Base, it’ll be harder for him to control us.”

Jiang Rong gave a light smile. “That’s true.” After a pause, he waved to the group. “Let’s get going. Time to go home.” After three or four days away from the base, everyone truly missed home. 

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was late May. The Spark Base once again welcomed a bountiful harvest. Last winter, they had gathered plenty of vegetables; this time, the main yield was grains and rapeseed.

In late May, the Spark Base smelled of wheat. After a pass of the harvesters through the fields, clean and full grains filled the storage barns. The empty streets and plazas of the base became drying grounds, where vast swaths of wheat and dark, shiny rapeseeds were spread out in the sun.

Children and villagers wandered in groups into the harvested fields. Whenever they found stray grains left behind, they carefully picked them up. Grain was precious in the base; not a single kernel could be wasted.

Once the wheat and rapeseeds finished drying, the base’s flour mills and oil presses began work. Their tables soon filled with all sorts of flour-based foods, cooked in golden rapeseed oil. For a long time to come, the base would not lack food.

The straw was bundled and collected. It could feed caterpillars and other herbivores, or be used as firewood. The harvested land needed to be turned and left to dry for a while; by next month, rice seedlings or other crops could be planted again.

In late May, many signal towers were erected throughout the base. After nearly a year of silence, people could finally make calls and receive phone signals—though only inside the base. Outside, the signal grew weak.

By May, other bases’ residents were tormented by mosquitoes and insects. But the Spark Base had very few mosquitoes, thanks to the many frogs and field toads living in its fields. Although these amphibians were delicious, the base had been careful to protect beneficial small animals since last year. After months of nurturing, their numbers had grown significantly, and crop pests had been greatly reduced.

The Spark Base thrived, but the world outside the base was merciless. After months of breeding and growth, mutated plants and animals ran rampant beyond the walls. Espers venturing out for supplies had to be extremely cautious—any lapse could mean never returning.

On May 25, an esper squad received a distress call from the Peace Base. The voice was weak—it belonged to Meng Liang.

“General Jiang, sorry to trouble you. Our base’s Zhou Xing went on a mission to the neighboring City W last week… and never came back. Nearly two hundred espers from our base were sent to search, but none returned.”

Jiang Rong was shocked. “That many people, and not one came back?”

Meng Liang answered, “It’s not just the Peace Base. Espers from the southern ‘New Humans’ bases, and several smaller nearby bases, also failed to return. Rough estimates say over six hundred espers are missing.”

Everyone sucked in a breath. “Over six hundred?!”

Jiang Rong asked seriously, “President Meng, can I ask what kind of mission Zhou Xing and the others were on?”

Meng Liang hesitated, then said, “They were looking for medicine. City W hosts the nation’s best medical labs and pharmaceutical companies. Since spring, the number of people injured by mutated plants and animals has skyrocketed. Without enough medicine, there will be many unnecessary casualties. So several bases have planned to restart pharmaceutical production…”

He apologized, “Sorry, General Jiang. Compared to other bases, ours is small—we don’t have much say. We should’ve told you earlier. I hope you don’t mind.”

Jiang Rong didn’t mind. Compared to large bases, even the Peace Base was a little brother, let alone the Spark Base.

He said firmly, “President Meng, enough with the formalities. How many espers do you need? When do we move?”

Meng Liang’s voice grew stronger. “I was thinking we put together three hundred espers between our two bases: two hundred from you, one hundred from us. If that’s okay, have your people gather tomorrow morning at our base gate.”

Jiang Rong agreed immediately. “Okay.”

After hanging up, Weng Chenggang sneered. “They never said a word about restarting the pharma plant. Now that there’s trouble, suddenly they want to unite.”

Chiang Jinhu chuckled. “If Zhou Xing wasn’t such a decent guy, I wouldn’t bother with them.”

Jiang Rong took a deep breath. “Even if it weren’t for Zhou Xing, we’d still have to go. Medicine is important. Even if we don’t need it ourselves, the ordinary people in the base do. Everyone eats grain and will get sick sometimes. We need medicine—even if it’s just stored away for peace of mind.”

Guan Shao spoke calmly, “I’ll select the team to go along.” He paused, then added carefully, “This mission is dangerous. I suggest splitting our squad into two groups. I’ll lead Jinhu and the others; you stay at the base.”

Jiang Rong understood Guan Shao’s meaning. Over six hundred espers had disappeared. Whatever was in the pharmaceutical plant had to be terrifying. For safety, some had to remain behind.

But Jiang Rong didn’t want to be one of those left behind. As one of the base’s leaders, he couldn’t hide behind others in times of trouble. Although his personal strength was less than Guan Shao’s group, if it came to a fight, Little Guaiguai and Little Fairy were just as capable. Besides, since it was a joint mission, having him there would help.

Jiang Rong calmly met Guan Shao’s eyes. Guan Shao quickly understood and sighed, “I get it. Forget what I just said.”

Chu Qiang laughed. “That’s more like it! We’re the Spark Base’s strongest team—we can’t just split up.”

 

 

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