Chapter 152: Immortal!? (End of Volume 3)
As the last Avalon took off, Zack watched the planes ascend into the sky. The deserters were headed to NYC, where the transformation process awaited them. There, they would undergo rigorous procedures, their bodies injected with the Fearless Warrior serum, and their minds tethered by unwavering loyalty. For Zack, this wasn't just punishment—it was an investment. "I'll give them what they crave," Zack muttered, his voice low. "Strength, power, purpose... but on my terms."
After resolving the deserter issue, Zack convened a meeting with the newly appointed managers of the Capital base. The agenda was straightforward but transformative. In the meeting, Zack declared the base would now be called the Northern Base, serving as his first and currently only sub-base. Its primary purpose: collecting mineral resources and rare materials to fuel Zack's growing dominion. Scott was officially appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Northern Base, tasked with managing its operations, overseeing resource collection, and ensuring the base's efficiency. Defense responsibilities were divided between the 1,300 city defense troops implanted with microchips, two Goliath, and a handful of mechanical beasts that Zack left behind.
To strengthen security further, Zack ordered the deployment of over 20 mechanical manufacturing units to establish a cutting-edge aerial defense system. These units worked tirelessly to produce microchips and secure materials for the base's future growth. With these arrangements in place, the Northern Base was set on a stable development trajectory. For Zack, this marked the completion of his immediate objectives there. Leaving the day-to-day operations in Scott's hands, Zack excused himself and returned to his quarters.
Inside his private quarters, Zack activated a holographic display, scanning a roster of the top intellectual talents among the base's survivors, curated by Ego.
Charles Sullivan, 67, former lecturer in physical chemistry at the University of Washington.
Daniel Lewis, 31, philosophy lecturer at Seattle Pacific University.
Walter Blake, George Johnson, and so on... Zack skimmed the profiles with mild disinterest. While these individuals would have been invaluable before the apocalypse, their knowledge now seemed outdated or irrelevant in his eyes—especially compared to the advanced technologies he had at his disposal. Still, their potential utility to others couldn't be ignored. "Implant chips in all of them and let Scott assign their roles," Zack instructed coldly, turning off the display. "Even if they aren't useful now, we might as well control them."
As the holograms faded, Zack leaned back, speaking to Ego. "That's enough for now. Inform Scarlett and the others—it's time to return to NYC." Shortly after, Ego's summons brought Scarlett and Gwen to Zack's quarters. Both were visibly nervous, though Scarlett, ever composed, maintained her quiet elegance. Dressed in clean clothes with her signature black-rimmed glasses, she looked every bit the intellectual.
"Sir," Scarlett said with a polite nod, her voice calm. Behind her, Gwen—usually boisterous and carefree—fidgeted nervously, her cheeks flushed as she avoided eye contact with Zack.