Apocalypse - Evil Shelter System

Chapter 249: Coercion and Temptation

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The thirty or so women mentioned by the elder were the wives and daughters of the indigenous people and fishermen. The pirates in uniforms, on the other hand, didn't have a single woman among them. They were a group of ruthless and lecherous criminals who viewed women as mere tools, no different from dogs.

In the eyes of these evildoers, women were nothing more than objects to satisfy their desires. Once women fell into the hands of these criminals, their lives would undoubtedly become a living nightmare. Moreover, there were dozens of these pirates, and the issue of women had long been a source of trouble.

There had been several instances of deception and coercion, nearly sparking violent conflicts between the two groups.

The indigenous people and fishermen were no match for the pirate warriors, especially considering the intimidating presence of the destroyer. Fortunately, the leader of these pirates, who was also the captain of the destroyer, was not a typical pirate. He and his dozen or so warriors were not originally pirates but had joined later.

Therefore, when tensions arose, this captain mediated the situation, preserving the safety of the wives and daughters of the fishermen and indigenous people.

Now, as the influential captain raised the issue again, there was a deep fear among the people that he might make unreasonable demands. The current problem facing everyone was already severe. The thirty or so women had become a crucial resource on the island, and in this endless post-apocalyptic wilderness, the sanity of all individuals was gradually eroding.

Human desires were expanding without bounds.

Without the constraints of morality, these ruthless pirates were capable of anything. The elder glanced indifferently at the group of people in ordinary attire, paying no attention to their reactions. This was an outcome he had long anticipated.

After all, no man could tolerate the idea of sharing his wife or daughter with another man, especially as if they were commodities forced into becoming tools for others.

It was evident that if this arrangement were implemented, the wives and daughters of these fishermen and indigenous people would endure a horrific and hellish existence. Although the elder sympathized with these women and their husbands or fathers, he had no room for sentimentality.

He continued, "To temporarily maintain peace and balance on the island, I've decided to declare all women as public property. In the future, anyone wishing to access women and learn the core values must exchange military merit cards and resource cards!"

"What?!" The leaders of the fishermen and indigenous people in ordinary attire stood up in shock, their faces filled with disbelief as they stared at the elder. This arrangement was no different from selling their wives and daughters. It was a humanitarian catastrophe for women. If this plan were to proceed, these women would be no different from slaves!

The leaders of the fishermen and indigenous people turned red with anger, glaring at the elder with intense displeasure. Strong dissatisfaction, suppressed by fear, was on the verge of erupting.

If it weren't for the elder's exceptionally high prestige and absolute control over power, these men would have likely come to blows long ago! Any spirited man would find such a situation intolerable. Meanwhile, the pirates in uniform wore expressions of passion and triumph. They had long been lusting after the wives of these fishermen!

Although certain shameless women among the fishermen engaged in secret liaisons or clandestine transactions with the pirates, these women were no longer appealing to them. Typically, women willing to engage in such activities were either old or unattractive and foolish. Learning core values in the company of marine creatures like dolphins seemed more appealing than indulging with these women.

Women who were genuinely committed to learning and self-improvement would never partake in such activities. Especially High Yongsheng's wife, Codean Lily, stood out among the thin and dark-skinned women of the fishing village. With fair skin, delicate features, and an enchanting figure, Codean Lily was practically a goddess among mortals.

If they could exchange military merit cards and resource cards for the opportunity to be with someone like Codean Lily, a top-tier woman, many of them would willingly sacrifice a week's worth of rations. They would even endure eating tree bark and grass if it meant they could afford a chance to learn core values from such a woman.

"Captain! We object! Women are human beings; how can they be treated as commodities? How can they be treated like property?! Moreover, they are the wives of our people, and our people will absolutely not agree!" High Yongsheng stood up, his face dark, leading the opposition.

"We strongly oppose as well! Women are human beings and also entitled to human rights! Captain, by arranging things this way, aren't you treating them like pigs and dogs? This is extinguishing humanity!"

"We absolutely disagree! Such practices are devoid of morality! I don't care about others, but my daughter will never be debased by you!"

Other fishermen and local indigenous leaders hastily stood up, echoing their disapproval.

"In the apocalypse, what's the point of talking about husband and wife? It's survival of the fittest! If you don't hand them over, we'll just take them ourselves! Be careful not to lose your lives when we come for them!"

A pirate leader dressed as a captain, with a fierce look, stood up in confrontation with High Yongsheng.

Hong Fei and the others also stood up, glaring at High Yongsheng's group. Hong Fei sneered and said, "What? You dare not listen to the captain's orders? Are you looking for death?"

"If you want to take our women, you'll have to step over our dead bodies first!" A leader among the fishermen erupted with momentum, exuding a murderous aura, slamming the table, and glaring fiercely at the pirate warriors.

He had a young and beautiful daughter, whom he cherished like a treasure. If these people were to try and take his daughter, he would absolutely not agree!

The thought of his daughter falling into the hands of these villains terrified the fisherman leader, making him tremble in fear.

"Alright! Let's compare and see if we can't kill you bunch of scoundrels!" A young man beside Hong Fei pulled out a pistol, coldly staring at High Yongsheng's group.

On the other side, High Yongsheng's group drew weapons from their waists, glaring angrily at Hong Fei's side. The two sides were on the verge of a violent clash!