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[^1]: The diminished value of pre-apocalypse titles like CEO reflects the shift to a survival-based hierarchy, where practical skills often outweigh corporate prestige in the base’s economy.
[^2]: Liao City’s rapid organization within a month showcases Huaxia’s systemic efficiency, leveraging centralized control to restore order amidst apocalyptic chaos.
[^3]: The tiered passcard system—white, blue, red—indicates a stratified social structure, with red passes reserved for an elite few, hinting at hidden power dynamics within the base.
[^4]: The housing shortage, driven by ambitions to centralize survivors, underscores the base’s strategic control over resources, potentially alienating independent groups and rural survivors.
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At the registration desk, the female soldier’s question caught Chen Liu off guard. “Did you bring your ID?” An ID in the apocalypse? he thought, incredulous. “Resident ID card?” he clarified, wondering if such relics still held value. “Yes,” she replied. “It speeds up registration.” Chen Liu rummaged through his belongings, relieved to find his wallet intact, and handed over his ID. The soldier scanned it, her expression unchanging as she verified his details. “Chen Liu, male, 26, former CEO of Zhibo Technology Co., Ltd., specialized in corporate management. Correct?” Her indifference to his former status was telling. Titles mean nothing here, Chen Liu thought, noting the influx of elites—wealthy tycoons, celebrities, CEOs—flooding Liao City. To her, a bricklayer’s skills might outweigh a CEO’s resume.[^1] “It’s correct,” he confirmed, his voice even. “Are you an ability user?” she asked, her tone sharpening with interest. “I am,” Chen Liu replied. “Ability and level?” she pressed. Do I reveal my hand? he thought, wary. “Do I have to say?” he countered calmly. Her knowing smile suggested she’d heard this before. “You don’t have to share. We respect privacy. But different levels get different benefits,” she explained. They’re baiting ability users with perks, Chen Liu thought, probing further. “What benefits?” She listed them patiently: “Housing, food, weapons, equipment—everything’s included.” After a pause, he decided, “Eight-star Awakened. Ability classification is confidential.” Her eyes lit up as she handed him a booklet. “Welcome to Liao City Base. This handbook covers everything. For housing, visit the Comprehensive Service Center—address is inside.” This place is more organized than I expected, Chen Liu thought, impressed by the base’s structure, a testament to Huaxia’s crisis management.[^2] She printed a blue passcard, which he accepted. Blue for ability users, white for civilians, red for the elite few, he recalled from online rumors, noting its exclusivity.[^3] As Zhang Chong, Yu Dachao, and Yu Na registered, Professor Li’s turn drew a stark change. “Professor Li, the command center has special instructions for you. Please come with me,” the soldier said, summoning two armed escorts. He’s more important than I realized, Chen Liu thought, smiling wryly as Professor Li paused to thank him. “Xiao Chen, thanks for the journey. I’ll check on you once I’m settled.” “It was nothing,” Chen Liu replied, waving him off.
After seeing Professor Li off, Chen Liu drove to the Comprehensive Service Center, the hub for all administrative tasks, formerly the Liao City Civic Center. Efficient setup, he thought, navigating streets where bicycles and scooters dominated, cars a rarity. Their convoy drew mocking glances from passersby. “Another batch of rookies,” one sneered. We stand out too much, Chen Liu thought, noting the sealed shops and littered streets—reminders of the apocalypse’s toll. Despite the base’s order, vitality was absent, with hurried civilians and soldiers but few visible ability users. It’s safe, but it’s no paradise, he thought, contrasting it with the chaos of fallen cities. The Service Center buzzed with activity, its lobby divided into labeled windows: Housing Allocation, Team Registration, Mission Assignments, Mission Settlement, Information Exchange. Like a government office, but bleaker, he thought. At the Housing Allocation window, a stern woman in professional attire, resembling a pre-apocalypse clerk, processed his request. “Name,” she demanded. “Chen Liu,” he replied. Her eyes flickered at his synced registration. “Eight-star Awakened,” she noted. “Living alone or with a team?” “Four of us—three men, one woman,” he said, hoping to stay together. “Huacui Neighborhood, Building 13, Apartment 1001. Three bedrooms, one living room. Acceptable?” she asked. Tenth floor? Chen Liu thought, frowning. “Tenth floor?” he echoed, knowing power outages would make elevators useless, rendering high floors a daily ordeal. For four people, including two ability users, a three-bedroom unit felt cramped. “Is housing that scarce?” he asked, skeptical. Liao City, with its pre-apocalypse population of over 150,000, should have ample space. “Jiangchuan’s 10% survival rate means over 4.5 million survivors,” she explained. “Housing shortages are real.” They’re trying to centralize everyone, Chen Liu thought, doubting the feasibility with rural survivors and independent ability users unlikely to join.[^4] “You can upgrade with Four-Star Contribution points from missions for a villa,” she added. They’re tying ability users to missions with housing incentives, he thought, bristling at the control. “I’ll take it for now,” he said, accepting the housing certificate. New place, new rules, he thought, nodding as she instructed him to collect the key from the community management office.