Apocalypse - Evil Shelter System

Chapter 169: The Third Squad's Soaring Strength

As the electronic synthesizing sound echoed, the space in front of Alex rapidly distorted, the ground cracked open, and two black jade pillars inscribed with peculiar runes slowly rose from the depths. Subsequently, runes on the pillars emitted a strong light. Between the two pillars, a glass-like barrier appeared.

[Behemoth's Folding Gates construction complete! Please build the second Behemoth's Folding Gates in another City of Darkness!]

With the electronic synthesizing sound, the Behemoth's Folding Gates were fully formed, resembling magical portals seen in fantasy movies. Satisfied, Alex nodded and then turned to drive towards the estate's second City of Darkness.

"System! Immediately construct the second Behemoth's Folding Gates here!"

Following Alex's command, the second Behemoth's Folding Gates slowly took shape. Alex stepped inside and instantly appeared in the first City of Darkness.

"Great! This way, the two City of Darkness can be connected!" Alex was delighted and instructed his team to convey this news to everyone in the two City of Darkness. Since they were now connected, various tasks could be merged in the future.

Alex gathered all his subordinates and reassigned duties and tasks to each person. Both Water Witch Miaomiao and Blood Witch Yueyue were now completely enslaved. Alex also assigned tasks to them.

Additionally, considering Water Witch's formidable aquatic combat abilities, Alex planned to dig another moat outside the second City of Darkness. It would not only be used for fish farming but also allow Water Witch and Blood Witch to unleash their full combat potential during times of war.

After roughly arranging the tasks, Alex delegated the detailed implementation work to Gun Dream.

As the steward, Gun Dream possessed systematic management skills and experience. Alex only needed to outline the key points, and Gun Dream would systematically and meticulously implement and perfect the details. With everything in place, the members of the Third Squad were completely turned into puppets.

...

When the Third Squad's convoy returned to the shelter base in a grand manner, the entire situation of the Third Squad had undergone a complete transformation. These individuals were not only completely under Alex's control, but their equipment had also been entirely upgraded.

Most of them had traded their old firearms for new ones. Almost every one of the sixty-plus individuals was armed with firearms. Even some modified vehicles had machine guns mounted on them. Two 40mm rocket launchers were boldly assembled on off-road vehicles.

In and out, Alex instantly took control of everyone in the Third Squad. Moreover, he comprehensively upgraded the weapons and equipment of the entire Third Squad! All the weapons seized in the Red Skull Manor were equipped to this Third Squad.

From the moment they entered the base gate, Alex intentionally displayed the Third Squad's formidable strength, flaunting it in an imposing manner. This was deliberate on Alex's part—to let the other two forces see the Third Squad's might, thereby increasing his bargaining power between the two opposing forces.

Alex had absolute confidence in the newly controlled Third Squad. No one was more loyal than puppets, and no one was more fearless, disciplined, and ready to die than these puppets.

Inside the shelter base, no one had anticipated that in less than a day, Alex had already gained control of a force powerful enough to influence the overall situation. With the return of the Third Squad, the two opposing forces began their contest.

Both Guangbei Jia's faction and Lu Weijiang's faction saw the astonishing changes in the Third Squad through surveillance. Setting aside the significant improvement in weapons and equipment, the scene where Peng Le and Alex entered side by side made both sides feel incredibly uneasy.

Originally, dealing with Peng Le alone was challenging, and now, with Alex leading a powerful mutant team, the close connection between the two posed a significant threat to other factions.

"We must quickly secure the support of Peng Le and Alex! They must have obtained substantial supplies on their trip. Not only is the equipment completely upgraded, but the entire team also appears much more disciplined! Dealing with these guys is becoming increasingly troublesome!" Lu Weijiang's face twitched as he looked at the massive display screen outside the window.

"Lu Bao, quickly make contact with Peng Le and Alex! Spare no effort to sway them to our side! If Peng Le proves difficult, focus on bringing this newcomer, Alex, on board!"

"Yes!" Lu Bao stood up with a displeased expression, taking the order to establish contact.

Being tasked with wooing these grassroots individuals like Peng Le and Alex was something he was extremely unwilling to do. As a second-generation figure, how could he possibly regard Peng Le and Alex, who came from humble backgrounds, with any respect?

However, there was no choice. With the sudden surge in the power of Alex and Peng Le, aligning with either side could bring about a significant shift in the balance of power. Even if he was unwilling, he had to put on a smiling face and go along with it this time. It made him feel more uncomfortable than if he had swallowed a fly.

At the same time, in Guangbei Jia's office.

Guangbei Jia stared in disbelief at the screen, expressing his astonishment, "What did Peng Le and Alex do? In just half a day, they managed to acquire so many weapons and equipment! They even got heavy weaponry!"

Ke frowned tightly beside him, "It seems that Alex found something before. This time when they went out, it should be to obtain these supplies! Otherwise, it wouldn't make sense for them to rush out to gather resources before settling in! Sigh! With this, Peng Le and Alex have become a decisive force. As long as they lean towards any side, that side will gain an absolute advantage!"

"If we had been more sincere with Alex initially and managed to bring him to our side, it wouldn't be so troublesome now! They have become a significant force, and whichever side they choose to support will hold absolute dominance!" Guangbei Jia expressed some frustration.

Although this was a self-spoken remark, it was evident to everyone that she was secretly blaming Classical Ke for organizing things at that time.

Shen Han's father, Shen Xudong, anxiously stood up and said, "I've always said that Peng Le is not simple. I didn't expect him to establish such a large force so quickly! Now, with Alex joining, if we don't find a way to sway these people, once they align with Lu Weijiang, we're truly done!"

"Xudong, go find Han, let her contact Alex. Spare no effort to bring both Alex and Peng Le to our side, at any cost!" Guangbei Jia was now in a hurry.

They were already in a disadvantageous position, and if Lu Weijiang's side gained the support of the Third Squad, their failure would become inevitable.

"Good! Han has a good relationship with this Alex. Even if we can't win over Peng Le, we must make sure to bring Alex to our side!" Shen Xudong said through gritted teeth. "If necessary, I'll betroth Han to Alex!"

...

After returning to the underground warehouse assigned to the Third Squad, Alex was approached by Shen Han. "Master, people from Guangbei Jia's side want me to approach you. The current situation is extremely unfavorable for them. They promise to provide you with the best equipment and supplies if you are willing to join them. They also offer you a position as a squad leader in the defense team."

"Additionally, my father is willing to arrange for me to marry you."

Alex nodded. He had anticipated this situation long ago. The conditions offered by Guangbei Jia's side seemed like a joke to him, especially using Shen Han as a bargaining chip. Alex couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Shen Han was currently just one of his slave girls, and her father thinking of marrying her to Alex as the biggest leverage was absurd. With the loss of Zhang Jingwu and the security management squad under his control, Guangbei Jia's side was now extremely weak.

Extending an olive branch to him was inevitable, especially since he now commanded a mutant team of 16 people, all equipped with high-quality weapons. In a base shelter with only around 30 mutant warriors, this force was significant.

"Tell them I appreciate their goodwill. I will consider the offer, but what I need is not what they are offering," Alex said, waving his hand to dismiss Shen Han.

According to his plan, now is not the time to approach Guangbei Jia's side. Moreover, their sincerity is far from enough. His only goal now is to control more power that can be controlled and establish a larger influence within the base shelter. Only then will he have more bargaining capital.

Although the first squad hasn't been completely enslaved, it is mostly under Alex's control through people like Shen Han. Therefore, Alex shifted his focus to the second squad.

"Master, there's someone outside claiming to be the captain of the second squad and seeking an audience!" Shen Han reported after leaving. Soon after, Lü Bao, the representative from the second squad, arrived.

"Speak of the devil, and he shall appear. He's here so soon, delivering himself right to our doorstep!" Alex chuckled and, with Peng Le, walked to the door to welcome Lü Bao.

This time, Lü Bao came alone, holding cigarettes and fine wine in his hands, a sign of sincerity.

Guiding Lü Bao inside, he immediately acted jovial and said, "Captain Peng, Captain Xiao, when I arrived, I coincidentally saw Shen Han leaving. It seems the first squad is also extending an olive branch to you!"

Alex glanced at Peng Le, who openly stated, "Yes, and their offer is quite sincere."

Lü Bao, maintaining composure, looked at Peng Le and Alex and said, "Regardless of what they offered, we are willing to double it! Additionally, I can help Captain Xiao here secure a spot in the council!"

Alex's eyes lit up, feigning excitement. "Captain Lü, are you serious?!"

On the side, Peng Le, under Alex's control, deliberately wore an unhappy expression. "Alex, when did it become your turn to speak here?!"

Lü Bao observed the situation with a sneer in his heart. This was exactly the outcome he desired! It seemed that Alex and Peng Le were starting to have some disagreements. Given how Peng Le treated Alex, with Alex's strength, he wouldn't be willing to subordinate himself to Peng Le. This was the perfect opportunity to sow discord between them, bring Alex under his command, and then... heh heh...

With a sly smile in his heart, Lü Bao confidently said to Alex, "Captain Xiao, I won't say much else, as long as you're willing to join us, I'll ensure a steady supply of weapons, ammunition, and daily necessities. Additionally, feel free to choose from the women under my command!"

"Captain Lü! We're not interested in joining any teams for now. We just want to manage ourselves," Peng Le said, looking displeased under Alex's control. Maintaining independence from both sides had always been Peng Le's stance.

Meanwhile, Alex immediately put on a greedy and intrigued expression.

Seeing this, Lü Bao felt even more satisfied. "Captain Xiao! What do you think? Although you've joined the third squad, the door to our second squad will always be open for you. Regardless of the conditions others offer you, our second squad can provide you with better terms and more benefits!"

Lü Bao paid no mind to Peng Le, who looked extremely displeased on the side, openly attempting to woo Alex.

Peng Le gave Alex a cold glare, filled with a threatening intent.

"Captain Lü, thanks for your kind offer! However... we'll have to listen to Captain Peng on this matter..." Alex said, though his eyes intentionally revealed a dodging expression.

Lü Bao's lips curled slightly, and he laughed ostentatiously. After casting a meaningful glance at Alex, he left the gifts and bid farewell with a courteous bow.

Watching Lü Bao's departing figure, a slight curve appeared on Alex's lips. As night fell, Alex visited Lü Bao once again. Seeing Alex voluntarily approaching, Lü Bao's lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"Captain Xiao, what an honor to have you here! You've truly brought brilliance to Lü's humble abode! Hahaha!" Lü Bao theatrically stood up, firmly shaking Alex's hand. Then, he ordered his secretary waiting nearby, "Prepare the best tea for Captain Xiao! Bring out my collection of cigars too!"

Alex put on an expression of being pleasantly surprised, admiring Lü Bao's luxurious office.

With a smug smile, Lü Bao generously said, "Alex, as long as you join our second squad, I can also provide you with such a fine office! If you like my secretary, you can have her too!"

"Thanks, Lü Bro!" Alex looked at Lü Bao with gratitude, expressing admiration for the opulence of Lü Bao's office.

Lü Bao smiled confidently and said, "Alex! As long as you join our second squad and work hard, I can provide you with everything you need! How about it? Have you considered joining us? If you're willing, I'll make you the deputy squad leader!"

"Uh-huh!" Alex nodded eagerly and then, feeling a bit embarrassed, he said, "I've already made up my mind. I'm willing to follow Lü Bro. However, I haven't achieved anything yet, and it might be hard for others to accept me as the deputy squad leader..."

Alex wanted to employ the same trick, using the methods he used against Peng Le to deceive Lü Bao once again.

"Eh! This is not difficult at all! If Alex wants to make a contribution, he can do it anytime!" Lü Bao's response caught Alex slightly off guard.

"As long as Alex cooperates with us and eliminates Peng Le, then Peng Le's subordinates and weapons will all be ours, right? With such achievements, Alex shouldn't worry about establishing his position!" Lü Bao's words made Alex immediately change his mind.