Apocalypse Survival: Starting with a Shelter

The issue of the depleted ammunition stockpile did not worry Su Wu much.

When planning for a daily production capacity of 5,000 radiation detectors, he had deliberately reserved a portion of the CNC machines and 3D printers for other purposes.

With the help of two engineering robots, replenishing supplies could proceed at a swift pace.

In roughly two hours, the consumed stockpile of conventional rockets and automatic rifle ammunition could be fully restored.

An additional hour would suffice to manufacture a new 240mm rocket.

Meanwhile, in the Jianghe City district, inside the 1st Official Shelter, Ou Shihua hurried into the conference room.

Though there weren't many attendees, all present held significant positions in the shelter.

From military leaders to departmental heads, nearly everyone was present.

Even Bai Rui'an, the elusive general director of the official shelters, had shown up in person—a rare occurrence.

"Since everyone is here, let's begin."

"Bureau Secretary, please share the materials."

Bai Rui'an nodded to Ou Shihua, signaling the start of the meeting.

A middle-aged man in a sharp suit stood up and activated the projector, displaying a combat video.

The footage clearly depicted the battle on the outskirts of the Northern Bay area from earlier.

"Gentlemen, this video was recorded 15 minutes ago at the edge of the Northern Bay area."

"The two opposing sides are the Arid Stone Village Shelter and a thousand-strong armed group funded by multiple corporate shelters."

The secretary succinctly introduced the video's background before pausing the footage at the moment two 240mm rockets detonated in mid-air.

"In this battle, the Arid Stone Village Shelter demonstrated capabilities far exceeding civilian standards."

"For example, these two 240mm long-range rockets—they match the operational level of equipment used by second-line military units."

He then switched the video to scenes of K2-series drones launching rockets, the heavy truck engaging with its autocannon, and the Ore-Type armored vehicles firing salvos from a distance.

"They deployed a wide array of weaponry in this engagement, achieving a remarkable average hit rate of over 90%."

"The opposing armed group was swiftly annihilated without mounting any effective counterattack."

"The Military Command estimates that this shelter either has a professional military command team or a world-class artificial intelligence system."

"Additionally, based on gathered intelligence, they appear to possess independent research capabilities and a self-sufficient small-scale industrial production system capable of manufacturing most conventional weapons from raw metal."

"Their production capacity is estimated to be 70% of that of Shelter 9."

As an official shelter governing millions, their intelligence capabilities were formidable.

Once focused, no civilian shelter could maintain its secrets.

Under the scrutiny of their spotlight, Su Wu's shelter had been thoroughly analyzed—its military prowess, technological advancements, and industrial capacity laid bare.

"In summary," the secretary concluded, "we believe this suburban shelter, previously unregistered, possesses formidable comprehensive strength and survival capabilities. It meets all criteria to be classified as a genuine armed force."

The term "armed force" might seem ordinary, but in this context, it was a significant recognition.

Ordinary civilian shelters, regardless of their population size or resource wealth, were regarded as commercial entities by official shelters—harmless and insignificant.

If the complex web of connections were set aside, dismantling them required no second thought. They were no more than sheep on official pastures.

Armed forces, however, were different.

They represented quasi-military organizations with dedicated combat units and logistical support, boasting significant combat strength.

Engaging them risked unpredictable losses, and the potential gains often didn't justify the military cost—making it a losing proposition.

As the secretary finished his briefing, the room fell silent.

The high-ranking officials leafed through the distributed materials, weighing how their respective departments should approach this emerging and well-armed faction.

Bai Rui'an broke the silence with a light cough before speaking.

"I'll say a few words."

"This is the first armed force to emerge within Jianghe City's jurisdiction. But such occurrences are not uncommon elsewhere—in other regions or continents."

"There are established frameworks for addressing these situations."

"I believe we can adapt those solutions here."

"Additionally, let me emphasize one point."

"Our current priority is combating natural disasters. Our responsibility lies with the millions of citizens in our shelters."

"Concerns beyond our jurisdiction should be considered selectively. Our resources are not limitless, and we cannot manage everything."

"Now, I invite your thoughts."

The meeting didn't last long.

With Bai Rui'an setting the tone, suggestions were limited in scope.

Broadly, with large-scale confrontations off the table for now, the officials agreed to treat Su Wu's shelter as a partially equal partner rather than a subordinate entity.

In certain matters, it was decided they would allow the shelter some autonomy instead of imposing unilateral decisions.

Ou Shihua observed the meeting's proceedings coldly, rarely speaking.

As the session concluded and he exited alongside his colleagues, he paused to glance at the ornamental potted plants lining the hallway.

His expression flickered briefly before he let out a sigh.

The minor figure he had dismissed mere hours ago was now an undeniable presence in Jianghe City.

For the first time, this high-ranking official realized the post-apocalyptic world was diverging from his familiar reality.

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Happy New Year Everyone! May this year bring you joy, peace, and prosperity. Cheers to new beginnings! 🎉🍻🎊