Apocalypse Rebirth: Crazy from Day One

Everything went smoothly this time.

When the member from Meridia Base came before her, Stella Sterling voluntarily took out a dagger and placed it in the bag.

She had just retrieved it from her personal dimension; all her weapons were stored there.

In any case, she had to hand something over to put everyone else at ease.

Otherwise, who would believe that the esteemed leader of Caeluna Base hadn’t even brought a weapon for self-defense?

Stella Sterling scanned the conference hall. The facilities and decor were all quite simple, nothing extravagant.

All the subordinates the base leaders had brought were now outside the hall, and everyone had surrendered their weapons.

’It would be quite a show,’ she thought, ’if Meridia Base suddenly went back on their word and took control of us all.’

But it was just a passing thought. She knew perfectly well that unless Meridia Base had gone completely insane, they wouldn’t do something so foolish.

Even if they managed to take control of the leaders, and could threaten their bases in the short term...

...in the long run, human nature was a fickle thing. The people back at those bases might eventually be glad that their leaders were captured.

They could even use "avenging their former leader" as a pretext to unite and attack Meridia Base.

So, Meridia Base wouldn’t do it. They had no reason to.

Stella Sterling was a little disappointed there wouldn’t be a spectacle to watch.

"Thank you all for your cooperation. We know it was a long journey for everyone to get here."

As he spoke, members of Meridia Base began placing prepared food in front of each person.

It seemed like a formal affair, but the food that was served was just simple steamed buns, dry rations, and water.

In the apocalypse, however, such provisions were incredibly precious. The leaders of some smaller bases couldn’t even get food like this back home.

Many of them swallowed hard, feeling a little embarrassed by their own reaction.

Meridia Base hadn’t prepared this food as a formal lunch, nor were they expecting everyone to eat before the discussions began.

It was simply a gesture of hospitality. If anyone felt hungry during the meeting, they were free to eat.

This was Meridia Base’s way of acknowledging that some had traveled a long and difficult way. As hosts, they felt it was their duty to offer some refreshment.

In the past, of course, the refreshments would have been much finer. But with current conditions, there were no fresh fruits, top-tier ingredients, or gourmet delicacies. They could only offer what would fill a stomach.

And in the apocalypse, even this was a precious commodity. If not for this important summit, Meridia Base would never have been so lavish.

Upon seeing the food, many faces lit up with satisfaction, especially those of the small-base leaders.

Even as leaders, they often couldn’t manage to procure any meat for themselves.

Unable to wait, many of them immediately broke off a couple of pieces of jerky and started chewing.

’As expected of Meridia Base. They’re truly powerful and well-supplied.’

Stella Sterling looked at the provisions before her and couldn’t help but marvel.

’If it were me, I probably wouldn’t have been willing to use such valuable supplies to entertain this crowd.’

’But Meridia Base was willing. Their resources truly run deep.’

Even though Stella Sterling didn’t lack for food or drink at her own base—in fact, she ate much better than this—she wasn’t in the habit of wasting food.

So, once the food was placed before her, she tore off a small piece of jerky and took a bite.

’Hm. It’s real pork jerky. Safe to eat.’

After Ethan Young finished his opening remarks, he found a seat and sat down.

A moment later, a man in a Tang suit appeared, and everyone’s gaze shifted to him.

This must be the true leader of Meridia Base.

Stella Sterling, like everyone else, turned to look at the man.

The man appeared to be in his fifties, with a dignified and imposing presence. Though past middle age, he was vigorous and sharp. His handsome features suggested he must have been quite good-looking in his youth.

But when Stella Sterling saw him, her brow furrowed.

For some reason, she felt a sense of familiarity from the middle-aged man, as if she had seen him somewhere before.

Yet she was certain this was the first time she had ever met him.

She studied him, and as she did, she finally realized where the sense of familiarity came from.

He bore a striking resemblance to Gordon Ford, though Gordon Ford’s demeanor was much gentler compared to this man’s imposing aura.

She recalled a few past events, and a theory began to form in her mind.

’Gordon Ford’s connection to this man must be significant. It’s even possible they’re father and son.’

’No wonder Basil Xavier had such special privileges at Meridia Base. It seems that even if they aren’t official members, both he and Gordon Ford have powerful connections here.’

Stella Sterling leaned back leisurely in her chair, casually sizing up the man.

At that moment, nearly every leader’s attention was fixed on him, so Stella Sterling’s scrutiny didn’t seem out of place or attract any notice.

After entering, the man greeted everyone briefly before getting straight to the point.

And now, Stella Sterling finally understood the true purpose of The Apocalypse Summit hosted by Meridia Base.

Hearing it, Stella Sterling couldn’t help but feel a renewed sense of admiration for Meridia Base.

’This is the kind of attitude and responsibility an official base should have.’

For years, many had used the "official base" title to recruit followers, but they never did anything substantial.

Only Meridia Base was different. Beyond ensuring their own development and future, they were also thinking about the common survivors, wanting more people to make it through this.

The man proposed three main topics for the summit.

The first was the issue of the ongoing disasters and the matter of organized rescue efforts.

His point was that he hoped everyone would do their best to help the common people, to preserve more of the embers of humanity.

He hoped they could all work together to overcome these hardships and help others survive the apocalypse.

At this, the expressions of many base leaders turned sour. They felt as if they were being guilt-tripped.

But the man’s words were reasonable. If anyone were to stand up and object now, they would be branded with the reputation of not caring for humanity’s survival.

That was a label no one could afford to wear.

So, despite their differing private thoughts, no one voiced any objections.

It was decided that in the coming days, they would meet again to discuss how to rationally carry out these survivor rescue missions.

’It makes no difference to me,’ Stella Sterling thought. ’I’m no saint, but the world will always have heroes, and it needs them.’

’And while I can’t be a hero, I can certainly lend a hand when the time is right.’