Winter Has Come

Born and Emerson talked for a long time.

Born concluded that the Starry Night Laboratory, which was originally a boon to society, had suddenly become humanity's greatest enemy—a major antagonist.

The Starry Night Laboratory had made many contributions in the past, developing numerous drugs and achieving significant breakthroughs in genetics.

Now, all those accomplishments had turned to dust.

"I've told you all the information I know. From now on, this base is under your command. Until I receive further orders, you are my superior."

Emerson left this final remark, placed the tablet on the table, and turned to leave.

This was a military-grade tablet capable of receiving satellite signals, although the current signal was very weak, making it nearly impossible to communicate with the outside world.

However, the tablet contained a large amount of footage captured by drones.

Born sat down and meticulously reviewed the contents on the tablet.

He reached a conclusion.

If there were a sudden zombie outbreak at the Starry Night Laboratory, the exhibition hall, being nearby, would be the first to bear the brunt of it.

He wondered if choosing this location as a base was the right decision.

Born slowly stood up. For now, improving the combat capability of his legion was the most important task.

Currently, he was just three people short of the recruitment target of fifty, but the newcomers had not yet been enhanced.

The gap in individual strength within the legion was gradually widening.

"Master."

At that moment, Pearl and Sirena walked in.

"We've finished settling the 300 people brought by Emerson. I've also organized their skills. As for Emerson's team, I haven't imposed much control," Sirena said, handing Born a notebook.

Born took it and glanced through it.

In fact, information about Emerson's team was recorded on the tablet, which also showed Emerson's sincerity.

Many members of Emerson's team had awakened special abilities.

Born carefully reviewed the notebook, and a plan began to form in his mind.

"Currently, gasoline and diesel are scarce resources for us. We also need to stockpile the remaining food supplies and other necessities for the winter."

"I have a feeling this winter will be very cold."

Born looked out the window. In just a few days, the sky had turned gloomy. It had rained yesterday, causing today's temperature to drop significantly. Winter supplies were urgently needed.

"Sirena, you are skilled in management. Assign those 300 people to work positions and identify a few with construction skills to reinforce the walls around us."

"Additionally, we need to build a steel plant. I noticed you have people with that expertise in your records."

As Born spoke, he handed the tablet to Sirena. It contained information about Emerson's team. Not all of them were combat specialists; there were other talents as well. He believed Sirena could organize and manage them effectively.

Next, Born turned to Pearl.

"Pearl, even though Sirena is here, I haven't forgotten your contributions to the team. Now, it's time to awaken your special ability."

With that, Born summoned the system in his mind.

[Points -500, Awakening ability for Pearl. Awakening successful. Current ability level: 1. Ability: Kinetic Energy. Skill: Kinetic Acceleration.]

Born was stunned. Kinetic energy? This ability seemed advanced, and he wasn't sure how to use it effectively.

[Kinetic Energy: The ability to generate kinetic energy during the motion of objects. Basic manifestation includes increasing or decreasing an object's acceleration.]

Born frowned. However, Pearl should have received more detailed information about her ability than he had.

Currently, the awakened ability users were Lane, Mia, Laura, and Pearl. Excluding Lane, whose ability was supportive, the others' abilities enhanced their combat capabilities.

He immediately gathered the four of them.

"Lane, I want you to lead the squad as the team leader. Your role will be..." Born began, testing the waters with his suggestion.

Lane smiled generously, "Of course, Born. I'm your subordinate now."

Born waved his hand dismissively, "Subordinate? You four are different. I consider you my family, people who share hardships with me."

"Actually, I grew up as an orphan. Lane, you probably didn't know that. I've always longed for family."

"Fighting alongside you all during this time has made me see you as family."

Laura sighed, "Those three are family, calling you 'husband.' What about me?"

Her tone carried a hint of jealousy.

Born felt awkward and didn't know what to say.

Pearl quickly whispered something in Laura's ear.

After a moment, Laura's face turned as red as an apple. She looked at Pearl and then at Lane and the others.

"Is that really okay?" she asked.

"Why not?" Pearl replied with a question.

Born sighed in exasperation, "What's with the secret whispering right in front of me?"

Pearl leaned in closer to Born and whispered, "I'll say it outright then. I suggested Laura also take the plunge with you, making us all one big family."

Born was stunned. Pearl!

How could she be like this, as if worried he didn't have enough women around?

He looked at Mia, who was passionate and proactive.

Pearl, who was enchanting.

Lane, who was slightly shy and innocent.

Then there was Laura, who spoke less but cared for him like an older sister.

Four girls, each with a different style.

Born quickly coughed and said, "Let's get back to business. You four will be squad leaders and choose your team members."

"Each team will have five close-combat members, five ranged members, and a doctor, who can also serve as support."

"We'll form four squads to disperse and search for supplies. Pearl, you and Sirena will coordinate everything."

Born waved his hand, giving the orders.

He wasn't interested in confronting the Starry Night Laboratory, but if they wanted to survive in the apocalypse, they needed to think long-term.

"Yes!" the four women replied in unison before turning to leave.

Knowing that Born had sent everyone out to search for supplies, Emerson also actively cooperated by organizing personnel to guard the exhibition hall.

As for those 300 people, any disobedience was met with a beating.

In the end, the only message was that Born was now the boss, and they should follow his orders.

After a few days, those 300 people settled down.

Those without skills started doing manual labor, exchanging their labor for resources to survive in the Starry Night Laboratory.

Those with skills worked on building the outer wall and renovating the exhibition hall, contributing as well.

The entire exhibition hall was gradually developing into a fledgling base in an orderly manner.

As time passed, the weather grew colder.

Born looked out the window, unsure of the exact month, but it snowed today.

Despite his good physical condition, he felt cold even wearing a down jacket.

Dover City had never been this cold before.

At that moment, a series of meteors suddenly streaked across the sky.