Aiden stood in the dimly lit meeting room, his gaze intense as he scanned the faces of the base leaders displayed on the communication screen before him. These were the leaders who had agreed to side with him against the government's encroachment. It was a mix of men and women, each hardened by their own battles for survival, each representing a different part of Valora. Today, they had gathered to discuss the future.
"Thank you all for joining," Aiden began, his voice firm and authoritative. "I want to make one thing clear—our priority is to keep Valora safe and free from the clutches of the government and any other factions that might try to take control. We've fought too hard to let anyone dictate our fate."
A murmur of agreement spread across the screens, with nods and grim looks from the various leaders.
"Now, onto business," Aiden continued. "Jake, I want you to start the production of a new type of bracelet for all non-awakeners and awakeners who haven't awakened through a dungeon core. These bracelets will have a holographic screen to gauge their strength levels, allowing us to monitor their progress."
Jake, sitting at his workstation filled with monitors and equipment, gave a thumbs-up. "Got it. I'll start the production right away. But just to confirm, the bracelets will still retain their original purpose, right?"
"Yes," Aiden confirmed, his tone serious. "The primary function remains—those who might betray us will be eliminated. We need to ensure loyalty within our ranks, and this is the best way to do it. Everyone will need to update their bracelets to the new model."
The room was silent for a moment. The reality of the harsh measures Aiden was willing to take wasn't lost on anyone. But in these desperate times, such measures were necessary to ensure survival.
"Understood, boss," Jake said, already turning to his computer to begin the design and production process. "I'll get started. Should have the first batch ready in a few days."
"Good," Aiden replied, turning his attention to the next matter. "Elara, I need you to start working on the survivor database. I want a full report on how many survivors we have across Valora. Split them into categories—those who have already awakened and those who haven't. We need to know what we're working with."
Elara, a young woman with a gift for data management, nodded from her station. "On it, Aiden. I'll compile the data and cross-reference with the reports from each base. Shouldn't take long."
"Perfect. Next, Sofia," Aiden said, turning to his trusted scout. "I need you to start scouting the bases that didn't agree with us. Take Mia with you—it'll be a good experience for her to see how we handle groundwork. But remember, this is a scouting mission only. No interaction. I want to know if there's potential for negotiation with them or not."
Sofia nodded. "Understood, Aiden. We'll be in and out without them even knowing we were there."
Mia, standing beside Sofia, looked determined. She was eager to prove herself and gain more field experience. Aiden could see the fire in her eyes.
As the team moved to execute their tasks, Aiden returned his focus to the screen where the leaders of the ten bases who had agreed to side with him were displayed. They were a diverse group, each with their own reasons for joining his cause.
There was Daniel Kim from the Iron Fortress Base, a former logistics officer who now managed supply chains across Valora. Joanna Bell from the Crimson Haven Base, a tough-as-nails leader known for her relentless defense tactics. Haruto Ishikawa of the White Oak Base, a strategist and former military officer. Natasha Greene of the Nightshade Outpost, who controlled a crucial part of the southern perimeter. Others included Leo Vargas of the Granite Hold, Maria Lopez of the Stormguard, Victor Cole of the Dust Valley, Anya Petrov from the Iron Fist, Samuel Carter of the Phoenix Roost, and Yara Al-Sadiq from the Wind's End.
That left seven other bases that did not agree with Aiden's terms and wanted to stick with the government, either out of fear, loyalty, or uncertainty.
Aiden addressed the gathered leaders. "I want to make something clear. Our goal is to create a safe and stable Valora, where people can rebuild their lives and return to some semblance of normalcy. To do this, we need a unified effort."
He continued, "I propose that Marcus and Olivia take charge of training those capable of fighting zombies. We'll also set up a virtual reality room where awakeners can learn how to fight inside dungeons. Training must be rigorous, and preparation is key if we want to avoid heavy losses in the future."
The leaders nodded, understanding the necessity of what Aiden was saying. He turned to Daniel Kim next. "Daniel, I need you to ramp up food storage and distribution. You're our logistics leader. Ensure that every base under our banner is well-fed and armed. We need to keep morale high and make sure our people are ready for anything."
Daniel gave a confident nod. "Consider it done. I've already got plans in place to increase production and distribution. We'll be ready for anything."
Aiden took a deep breath, looking around the room. "Now, we need to consider how to counter the government's plans while also keeping an eye on the dungeons and zombies. I propose we start building a wall along the perimeter we've already cleared. Rebuild the city's infrastructure—restaurants, schools, hospitals. We need to give people hope that life can return to normal."
There was a murmur of approval among the leaders. It was a bold plan, but one that could work. Rebuilding the city and providing a semblance of normal life would give the survivors something to fight for.
"Which area do we start with?" asked Leo Vargas. His voice was deep, commanding respect.
"We start in the central sector," Aiden replied. "It's the most secure right now and provides access to key routes throughout Valora. From there, we can expand outward."
As they discussed the specifics, Aiden knew he needed something to unite everyone under his banner fully. An idea formed in his mind, something bold that would ensure loyalty and inspire the people of Valora.
"I have one more proposal," Aiden said, his voice cutting through the chatter. "If you help me and follow under my banner, I promise to awaken everyone in Valora. But, there will be conditions—a certain age requirement, what we'll call 'Coming of Age.' I don't want children going into dungeons, but anyone who meets the criteria will have the chance to awaken."
The room erupted in whispers and excited murmurs. This was the incentive they needed. The prospect of awakening meant power, strength, and a better chance at survival.
"We can create a new Valora," Aiden continued. "One where we are strong enough to defend ourselves and not rely on any external forces. Are you with me?"
One by one, the leaders nodded, their resolve strengthening. They had a long road ahead, but with Aiden at the helm, they were ready to fight for a new beginning.