Apocalypse - Evil Shelter System

Chapter 164: Thought-Provoking Choices

If Alex were in charge instead of Ke, he would undoubtedly choose to immediately initiate chaos, using forceful means to eliminate dissenters. Otherwise, allowing the current situation to persist would inevitably lead to Guang Beijia and her followers facing a devastating defeat. Once that happened, any attempts to turn the tide would become impossible.

However, after a prolonged silence, neither Ke nor Guang Beijia showed the resolve for such decisive action. If they had possessed the courage for such a move, the situation wouldn't have gradually developed to its current state, turning a promising hand into a complete disaster.

A tense and silent standoff ensued between the two factions.

At that moment, Alex unexpectedly stood up and spoke, "As a newcomer, it's understandable that you might be wary of us. To prove our sincerity, I am willing to join the Material Collection Team responsible for gathering supplies, as mentioned by Lü Qi earlier."

Alex's choice was influenced by Lü Qi's previous mention of this team. Shen Han had also briefed him about it. The City Defense Team was divided into three units: one responsible for defending the city, another for collecting supplies and rescuing survivors, and the third for maintaining internal security within the shelter.

The City Defense Team and the Security Management Team were already under the control of Ke and Zhang Jingwu, respectively. However, the Material Collection Team, despite having over a hundred members, was a fragmented force divided into three factions. These factions, with varied equipment and allegiance, included Shen Han's team, loyal to Guang Beijia.

Alex's proposal aimed to establish credibility and integrate into the shelter's structure.

There is another faction led by Lü Weijiang's nephew, Lü Bao. Naturally, these people align with Lü Weijiang. Before Zhang Jingwu sided with Lü Weijiang's faction, this team of over fifty individuals was the only armed force under Lü Weijiang. The remaining faction consists of survivors rescued after the establishment of the shelter.

Members of this faction maintain neutral relations with both sides but have close interactions with the civilians within the shelter, earning their admiration. Many civilians occasionally join this team to search for food and supplies. It is the largest and most chaotic combat team, equipped poorly and venturing into the perilous world infested with zombies.

At its peak, the team had more than two hundred members, but as casualties mounted with each mission, fewer people were willing to join. Anyone with a choice hesitated to become part of a team where death loomed at every turn.

Alex's decision to voluntarily join this team stems from several reasons. Firstly, newcomers typically spend some time in this team before being selected by other departments to leave the Material Collection Team. Following this established protocol makes it easier to gain acceptance and trust from these individuals.

Secondly, this team holds the most potential for developing its own influence and operates with relative freedom, as both major factions pay little attention to its activities.

Moreover, since the team is often away from the shelter, the residents find it easier to trust them. For Alex, this period away provides an opportunity to discreetly establish his influence within the shelter. Upon hearing Alex's proposal, the people present reacted with a mix of surprise. Some secretly admired Alex, while most regarded him with mockery, thinking him a fool.

Both Guang Beijia and Shen Han's father were left stunned. Ke, however, glanced at Alex in mild surprise and nodded in approval, indicating his admiration for Alex's performance.

"Given the situation, there's no need for further debate. Let's all disperse! If there's anything else, we can discuss it in the next meeting. We've just concluded this one, and everyone needs some rest," hurriedly stated Guang Beijia, smoothly deflecting the tension and trying to secure more opportunities for her side after this sudden setback.

On the other hand, the faction led by Lü Weijiang didn't want to push Ke too far for the time being. Ke still held control over the most powerful City Defense Squad. If Ke were forced into a corner and initiated a revolt, no one might be able to stop him. Both sides were wary of each other, and the remnants of pre-apocalyptic moral values still held some influence.

"I just wonder how long this restraint will last," Alex thought, observing the responsible faces in front of him with a cold smirk.

"My friend, if you're interested in joining the Material Collection Team, feel free to join our Second Squad. The doors of our Second Squad are always open for you!"

A tall and handsome young man walked up to Alex, extending his hand with a smile.

"I'm Lü Bao, the captain of the Second Squad. If you're willing to join our team, I can offer you the best treatment and weapons," he said.

"He was brought back by our Shen Han, naturally joining our Shen Han's First Squad!" Shen Han's father, Shen Xudong, stood up discontentedly and spoke.

For a powerful newcomer like Alex, leading a formidable team of sixteen mutants, both factions naturally wanted to recruit him with full force. In the current situation where the two sides were evenly matched, Alex's decision to join either side could tilt the balance.

In an instant, Alex, originally not well-regarded, became a highly sought-after figure. This was precisely Alex's goal in choosing to join the Material Collection Team – to leverage the conflict between the two factions and gain maximum benefit among the neutral parties.

Without extending an olive branch to either side, Alex responded with a faint smile, making a decision that left everyone puzzled, "Sorry, thanks for the invitations from both esteemed individuals, but as newcomers, I think it's better for us to join the Third Squad."

As Alex spoke, the expressions of everyone present became complicated. His decision began to pique curiosity.

Possessing such formidable power, Alex surprisingly chose to join the weakest yet strongest and most dangerous team upon the invitation of two teams with backgrounds and resources.

This decision truly puzzled people.

In their eyes, Alex was either a complete fool who knew nothing, or he harbored ambitions similar to the captain of the third team.

Just like how the members of the third team were unwilling to join other teams, everyone turned their gaze to the captain of the third team.