Apocalypse Survival: Starting with a Shelter

The conference room was abuzz as Su Wu joined, finding more than half the participants already present. The remaining members trickled in within a minute or two.

Everyone in the meeting represented a major player—a shelter housing tens of thousands at minimum. Their time was precious, so the meeting, led by the Jianghe City Municipal Department account, cut straight to the chase.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Ou Shihua, Minister of the Jianghe City Municipal Department."

"This meeting is convened because of critical intelligence from the Federation Academy of Sciences."

"In the next two to five days, the Eastern Continent will face an unprecedented radiation storm."

"During this storm, surface air radiation levels will exceed safe limits by a thousandfold. Some areas will experience localized radiation disasters, with radiation levels surpassing safety limits by millions of times within small radii."

"Our objective is to identify potential locations for these disasters before they occur. Ideally, we can prevent them; at worst, we can prepare."

Ou Shihua's words plunged the room into heavy silence. The gravity of the situation was unmistakable, and everyone was calculating how this new threat might impact their operations.

After a brief pause, one participant broke the silence.

"What are the expected range and duration of these radiation disasters?"

"Radii could range from a few dozen meters to several kilometers, but will not exceed three kilometers. However, the number of such disasters is unpredictable. For instance, Jianghe City could see none—or over ten."

Ou Shihua continued, "Additionally, this radiation storm is expected to last a long time. Prepare for prolonged coexistence with its effects."

The detailed response stirred unease among the participants.

For many, their shelters were built using designs similar to underground malls or air-raid shelters. Even with some reinforcement, most were only 30 to 50 meters below ground—still within the shallow layers that could be compromised by intense radiation.

Su Wu's brow furrowed. His shelter's first layer was a mere 10 meters below the surface. Though its reinforced walls, upgraded air circulation, and cooling systems provided a degree of safety, a radiation disaster directly overhead would still pose a grave threat.

"How can we pinpoint where these radiation disasters might occur?"

Zhou Bin, a composed official Su Wu had interacted with before, asked the critical question.

"Radiation disasters do not occur suddenly," Ou Shihua explained.

"They are preceded by a buffer period of one to two days. During this time, radiation levels at potential sites rise by 0.1% to 1%, with a minimum deviation of 0.1% above baseline."

"However, due to measurement errors, this search process will be resource-intensive."

"Your support is crucial."

Zhou Bin's query was the core reason for convening this meeting. While the official shelters could monitor the entire city, doing so would be prohibitively expensive and logistically overwhelming. Involving capable private shelters could achieve similar results at a fraction of the cost.

"And what's in it for us?"

Another participant voiced what everyone was thinking.

Radiation disasters were undoubtedly dangerous, but monitoring one's immediate vicinity would suffice for most. The expectation that shelters take on a broader monitoring responsibility needed incentives to match the added burden.

"First, based on your contribution levels, you will receive one or more guaranteed evacuation tickets."

Ou Shihua elaborated, "If the situation worsens and Jianghe City sees over ten radiation disaster zones, we will abandon most shallow shelters. Residents will transition to deep-layer shelters or evacuate to safer cities nearby."

"Due to space limitations in deep-layer shelters and logistical challenges with long-distance evacuations, the number of evacuees will be highly restricted."

"These tickets guarantee entry into deep-layer shelters or priority in inter-city evacuation convoys for each ticket holder."

This incentive was a basic assurance of survival for shelter leaders and their families, assuming they actively participated in monitoring efforts.

However, this alone wasn't enough to sway the attendees.

While preserving their lives was vital, abandoning their shelters meant forfeiting their resources and influence. For many, survival without their accumulated wealth and power was a fate worse than death.

Ou Shihua understood this well and moved on to the more substantial rewards.

"Additionally, contribution points from this task will have top-level clearance privileges."

"These points can be privately traded or exchanged for resources from the official inventory."

"Notably, this includes the newly developed anti-radiation coating, both as a finished product and in formula form."

The mention of anti-radiation coatings caused a stir in the virtual room.

In a world now dominated by environmental hazards, a reliable anti-radiation material could mean the difference between survival and obliteration.

"What's the efficiency of this coating?"

A representative from a corporate shelter immediately inquired.

"It reduces radiation exposure by 90% for coated surfaces, even in areas with extreme radiation."

The room fell silent. Everyone was calculating the potential applications of such technology. Coating their shelter walls, vehicles, or even protective suits could drastically improve their survivability.

Ou Shihua, sensing the shift in their attitudes, pressed his advantage.

"Contributions to this mission will directly determine the allocation of resources like the anti-radiation coating."

"This is a rare opportunity to fortify your shelters and secure your survival—not just for this storm, but for the challenges that will inevitably follow."

Su Wu's mind raced.

The anti-radiation coating was undoubtedly valuable. His shelter's existing defenses were robust, but having this coating could provide an extra layer of security, especially given its shallow depth.

However, actively participating in this mission would stretch his already limited resources.

"I need to weigh the risks," Su Wu thought.

The meeting continued, with leaders negotiating their level of involvement. Su Wu remained quiet, carefu

lly observing the dynamics and gauging how he could leverage this situation to benefit his shelter.

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