Volume 1, Chapter 32: Naming: Dawn Base

Chen Feng’s eyes flashed with intensity. "Marshal, if that is truly the case... then this is our chance!"

He pointed excitedly at the map. "The financial district is densely packed with zombies. Once the government forces engage the zombies inside the towers, they will inevitably draw the entire horde from the eastern suburbs! When that happens, the pressure on our front line will be significantly reduced, and we can easily push forward at least five hundred meters amidst the chaos!"

A cold, sharp curve played on Lin Ye’s lips. Chen Feng’s thoughts aligned perfectly with his own. In the apocalypse, any form of chaos was an opportunity for expansion. With the government forces creating such a massive distraction, they could reap the rewards of the situation.

"Pass the order," Lin Ye decided decisively. "The first and second infantry squads are to enter combat readiness immediately. All Snow Leopard team members are to end their rest period, and ammunition supplies will be doubled."

His finger traced an assault route across the map. "As soon as gunfire is heard from the direction of the Twin Towers, we execute Plan B and advance!"

"Understood!" Chen Feng accepted the order solemnly. Just as he turned to relay the instructions, Lin Ye called him back.

"Wait." Lin Ye’s gaze fell upon the survivors on the surveillance screens who were busy moving supplies and clearing debris. "While we still have time, implement the survivor management system we just discussed."

Chen Feng understood immediately. Before the coming expansion, they had to secure their rear.

"In whose name should this be issued?" Chen Feng asked. "Should we continue to use the name 'Cloud Villa'?"

Lin Ye pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "No. From today on, we are the 'Dawn Base'."

"Dawn Base..." Chen Feng repeated softly, a flicker of realization in his eyes. The name implied both hope and authority, making it far more suitable than a simple location name.

"I will handle it at once!" Chen Feng saluted and strode toward the communications desk.

Lin Ye stood alone by the window, watching the helicopter fleet, now mere black specks in the distance, his eyes as deep as an abyss. What kind of VIP was hiding in the Twin Towers to warrant such a massive operation from the government forces? And how would this rescue mission alter the power dynamics of Donghai City?

He instinctively touched the sidearm at his waist; the cold metallic touch kept him clear-headed. Regardless of how the situation shifted, he had to seize every opportunity to expand the territory of the "Dawn Base" step by step. Only by doing so could he master his own destiny in this cruel, apocalyptic world.

"Dawn Base..." Lin Ye murmured, the curve of his lips widening. This was more than just a name; it was a manifesto. He, Lin Ye, would become the first ray of dawn to pierce the darkness of this wasteland!

On the distant horizon, the last vestiges of twilight were swallowed by darkness. From the direction of the Twin Towers, the roar of propellers and sporadic gunfire could already be faintly heard.

The storm was coming.

...

Soon, Chen Feng’s orders were issued, and soldiers began gathering the survivors to a designated location. Chen Feng then drove Lin Ye’s Humvee at full speed. Two or three minutes later.

...

Chen Feng stood before the Humvee, his sharp gaze sweeping over the dense crowd. More than six hundred survivors were huddled in the clearing, their faces filled with unease and confusion.

"Everyone, attention!" Chen Feng’s voice was like a thunderclap, instantly silencing the noisy crowd. "By order of the Marshal, effective immediately, the 'Dawn Base' is established!"

He paused for a moment to ensure everyone heard him clearly.

"Li Hua!" Chen Feng suddenly called out.

The oily-faced middle-aged man shuddered and hurriedly pushed through the crowd. "Yes... yes! Officer!"

"The Marshal has appointed you as the Director of the Survivor Management Office, responsible for daily supply distribution, personnel scheduling, and disciplinary oversight." Chen Feng’s voice was devoid of emotion. "Remember, your authority comes from the Marshal. Do well, and you will be rewarded; fail..."

He did not finish, but the Type 92 pistol at his waist said everything.

The fat on Li Hua’s face trembled with excitement as he bowed obsequiously. "Understood! Understood! Thank you, Marshal, for your patronage! I, Li Hua, will certainly devote myself entirely to the cause!"

Whispers broke out in the crowd; some were envious, some jealous, and some even looked on with disdain.

"Silence!" Chen Feng barked, turning his gaze toward a man with a crew cut standing at the edge. "You, step forward!"

The man walked forward silently, his posture as straight as a pine.

"Name?"

"Leng Feng."

"Former unit?"

"Southeastern Theater, 'Sharp Blade' Special Operations Brigade."

A glint of appreciation flashed in Chen Feng’s eyes. "The Marshal appoints you as the Captain of the Enforcement Team. Select ten people yourself to form the unit. Equip them with batons, riot shields, and three sidearms."

He lowered his voice. "Remember, the Enforcement Team reports only to the Marshal. If you discover any actions that threaten the safety of the base—including those by Li Hua’s survivors—you do not need to ask for permission. Deal with it on the spot."

Leng Feng’s eyes shifted slightly, and he gave an imperceptible nod.

"Mu Qing!"

A girl in hiking gear trotted forward, her chest swaying with her movement, drawing the gaze of many male survivors.

"You are responsible for forming the rescue team, specializing in search and rescue in complex terrain." Chen Feng handed her a first-aid kit. "Prioritize those with medical or mountaineering experience."

Mu Qing took the kit, a strange light shining in her bright eyes. "Thank you for the Marshal's trust! I will definitely... ah!"

She suddenly gasped as the kit slipped from her hands, bandages and medicine scattering across the ground. A scrawny boy seized the chance to grab a pack of antibiotics and turned to flee.

"Bang!"

A gunshot echoed through the area.

The boy collapsed, a spray of blood erupting from his knee, followed by a piercing, agonizing scream.

Leng Feng slowly lowered his smoking pistol, his eyes cold as ice. "Rule number one: Those who steal supplies lose a leg."

The scene fell into a dead silence, with only the boy’s wailing echoing in the air. Mu Qing turned deathly pale, covering her mouth, unable to speak.

Li Hua was so terrified his legs gave way, and he nearly collapsed to the ground.

Chen Feng nodded in satisfaction. "Very well. Now, begin your duties."

He turned toward the Humvee. Behind him, Li Hua’s shrill voice rang out: "Did you all hear that? Line up for registration! Elderly and children to the left, the able-bodied to the right..."

A series of explosions suddenly erupted in the distance, shaking the ground. Chen Feng looked up; thick smoke was already rising from the Twin Towers. Three armed helicopters were circling the rooftop, the fire from their machine guns clearly visible in the twilight.

"It has begun..." he muttered to himself, stepping on the gas, the Humvee roaring toward the command post. The base's expansion plan had to start immediately.

...

The three armed helicopters circled above the Twin Towers, the roar of their propellers like thunder, causing the entire building to tremble.

In the refuge level, the previously lifeless crowd suddenly erupted, hope igniting in their desperate eyes.

"It’s the government forces! The government has come to save us!"

"Quick! Get to the roof!"

"Open the door! Open it!"

The crowd rushed frantically toward the alloy doors of the refuge level, pushing, screaming, and crying intermingled. A few who still possessed their senses tried to block them, but faced with the surging tide of people, they were forced to step aside.

"Damn it! Are these people looking for death?!" a burly man cursed. "The building is full of zombies; running out now is suicide!"

But hope had clouded their minds. They twisted the locks and shoved open the heavy alloy doors—

"Boom—"

As the door swung open, a pungent stench of decay rushed in. In the stairwell, a dense mass of zombies, drawn by the roar of the helicopters, had been frantically clawing their way upward. Hearing the door open, they jerked their heads up, their murky eyes locked onto the surging crowd.

"ROAR—!!!"

The zombie horde erupted, rushing forward like a black tide, hissing and snarling!

"Ahhhhh—!"

Those at the front were knocked down instantly, their screams tearing through the air. Blood splattered as the zombies tore into the flesh of the living, while those behind could not stop their momentum, crashing one after another into the tide of corpses!

A living hell!