Chapter 172: Starry Sky Base
If the mercenaries could secure such a contract, they might finally earn enough to settle somewhere safe.
With that hope, they had stayed behind.
They waited for a suitable client, even as the danger surrounding Swan Base continued to grow.
And when that opportunity finally arrived, they accepted it without hesitation.
Fortunately, the payment this time was extremely generous.
Each member of the mercenary team would receive one high-tier zombie crystal upon completing the escort mission.
For ordinary survivors, such an amount was enough to start a new life in a larger, more developed base.
Naturally, Max and his companions had already begun planning their future.
Their intended destination was Starry Sky Base.
Although Burning Star Base was impressive, it had several problems of its own.
Most of its influential positions were occupied by researchers, scientists, and other intellectuals.
Ordinary residents, on the other hand, had very few opportunities to improve their status.
They were generally expected to venture outside the base, hunt zombies, and increase their ability levels before they could gain any meaningful recognition.
Of course, Burning Star Base had its advantages.
Unlike many other settlements, it didn’t have overcrowded slums or poorly constructed shelters.
Most of its residential buildings were well maintained, and the living conditions were relatively comfortable.
However, the rent was expensive. Anyone who failed to pay on time risked immediate eviction.
As for Silent Knight Base, its reputation was even worse.
The base was notorious for using residents from the slum districts as disposable shields whenever a zombie horde attacked.
Furthermore, newcomers were generally required to settle in the slums.
Unless they could afford to pay one thousand mid tier zombie crystals, they had almost no chance of obtaining a residence in the inner city.
Starry Sky Base was different. It was equally advanced and possessed considerable supplies of food and other resources.
However, its residential districts included both modest shelters and well-constructed houses, much like Swan Base.
The greatest difference lay in its leadership.
Starry Sky Base wasn’t controlled by a single individual.
Instead, it had been established by four powerful families who had been among the wealthiest in the country before the apocalypse.
When the disaster first began, these families had mobilized their subordinates to empty their factories and transport valuable machinery, equipment, and raw materials to the settlement.
As a result, Starry Sky Base possessed an unusually strong industrial foundation.
Its technological development was even more impressive than that of many other major bases.
Recently, rumors had begun spreading that its researchers had discovered a possible alternative food source.
The base authorities had even announced plans to open a new food shop during the upcoming New Year celebrations.
According to the announcement, the products would mark a historic breakthrough in humanity’s struggle for survival.
Naturally, the news attracted considerable attention.
Survivors from several regions had already begun migrating toward Starry Sky Base.
However, the settlement maintained strict admission requirements.
Not everyone who arrived would be allowed to become a permanent resident.
Max, Dong Wei, Zhu Wang, and Hina had discussed the matter extensively.
Eventually, the four of them agreed to try their luck.
If even one of them managed to qualify for permanent residency, that person would do everything possible to help the others settle there as well.
With that decision made, they continued their journey.
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The road toward Burning Star Base was far from peaceful.
Along the way, the group encountered several strange mutated creatures.
Fortunately, their combat experience allowed them to avoid most of the dangers.
What surprised them most was their passage through Yanni Hills.
They had initially expected the region to be extremely dangerous.
However, after Max’s detection equipment failed to identify the abnormal threat they had previously feared, the group cautiously entered the area.
To their astonishment, they managed to cross the hills without encountering any serious obstacles.
The journey was much easier than expected.
More importantly, the shortcut saved them a considerable amount of time.
Hina couldn’t help feeling puzzled.
"Wasn’t Yanni Hills supposed to be one of the most dangerous places in this region?"
Dong Wei nodded. "That’s what everyone says."
"Then why does it seem so peaceful now?"
Nobody could answer her question. The others were equally curious.
Someone had apparently dealt with the danger that once plagued the region.
But who possessed enough strength to accomplish such a thing?
And why hadn’t anyone heard about it?
The mercenaries continued discussing the mystery until they finally approached Burning Star Base.
Upon reaching the entrance, they were stopped by the guards and instructed to pay a visitation fee.
After completing the necessary registration, they were allowed inside.
Almost immediately, they noticed that the atmosphere within the base was unusually lively.
Groups of residents were gathered along the streets, discussing some exciting news.
"Did you hear? The first phase of the hybrid vegetable cultivation project has succeeded!"
"Really? The vegetables actually grew?"
"That’s right! The greenhouse crops have finally matured!"
Hina slowed her steps. She glanced toward the people speaking.
Apparently, Burning Star Base’s researchers had successfully completed the first phase of their hybrid vegetable cultivation experiments.
The crops had grown inside specially constructed greenhouses, and several varieties had already reached maturity.
The researchers were now conducting further tests to determine their nutritional value and whether they were safe for long-term consumption.
If everything went smoothly, fresh vegetables might finally become available to ordinary residents.
Hearing this, Hina and her three companions couldn’t help feeling tempted.
It had been almost five years since they had last tasted fresh vegetables.
For a moment, the thought of settling in Burning Star Base seemed incredibly appealing.
"If we stay here, perhaps we’ll actually get to eat vegetables again," Dong Wei murmured.
Hina nodded thoughtfully.
However, when they remembered Starry Sky Base and its rumored breakthrough in food production, their determination returned.
They had already made their decision. There was no point abandoning their plans now.
After completing their escort responsibilities, they intended to continue toward Starry Sky Base.
Jamie Hallmark, on the other hand, had no intention of leaving.
She had already decided to settle permanently in Burning Star Base.