Chapter 427: Finally Settled Down

Chapter 427: Chapter 427: Finally Settled Down

"Alright,"

Seraphina Sullivan said finally, her tone calm once more.

"We’ll handle whatever they throw at us. If they’re looking for trouble, we won’t be afraid.

As long as we’re in the right, I don’t believe everyone in the Central Base can be a fool."

’That being said,’ Seraphina was already on high alert.

Once the RV was safely parked in the surface-level livestock area, she knew she had to figure out the details and bottom lines of the various factions within the base as soon as possible.

Surviving peacefully in this seemingly impenetrable fortress would probably be no easier than facing the natural disasters outside.

Seraphina Sullivan drove the large RV—its defenses and comfort levels upgraded to far surpass any ordinary vehicle—and slowly pulled into the area designated for them in the West District’s livestock farm.

After the vehicle came to a stop, the group got out. They looked at the somewhat desolate, yet finally independent, spot they could call their own, their feelings mixed.

"After everything that happened today, this Central Base... it looks impressive, but it’s way more chaotic inside than our Vorlag Safe Zone."

Dexter Luther couldn’t help but remark as he helped unload some everyday items from the RV.

Matthew Dawson nodded in agreement, his expression grim.

"It’s true. It might look safer and more technologically advanced here, but with the conflicts among the higher-ups and these entitled brats running wild... it feels like the waters run deep. It would be easy to get swept up in it all if we’re not careful."

Hearing this, Seraphina Sullivan said,

"Let’s not talk about these troubles for now. How did the settlement procedures go for you guys?"

She looked at Dexter Luther, Crystal Lynn, and Matthew Dawson.

Young Freya Lynn sat off to one side.

Crystal Lynn spoke up. "We’ve already completed our personal registration and information entry. We were assigned to the collective dormitories in Sector D7 of the underground area. The conditions are said to be decent—at least we have a fixed bunk and a locker."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over the open yet simple livestock farm, a hint of envy in her tone.

"Honestly, I still prefer being above ground. There’s sunlight, and the air circulates.

The underground area might be safe, but it feels... too oppressive, like living in a giant anthill."

Dexter Luther patted her shoulder comfortingly. "It can’t be helped. Safety first.

The Dungeon is the core of the base’s defense against natural disasters; it has the strongest defenses. Besides,"

He looked at Seraphina Sullivan, his voice laced with worry.

"Sullivan, the System’s temporary suspension of natural disasters is about to end. The extreme temperature disaster is coming soon.

The temperature fluctuations on the surface are terrifying. Can you guys really make it living here?"

Seraphina Sullivan waved her hand, her face free of worry.

"You don’t need to worry about that. That guy, Ethan Soto, was shamelessly pestering me for this RV earlier. I doubt it was just because he saw it was big.

He probably sensed there was something unusual about it."

Hearing this, the others all looked curious.

Seraphina Sullivan explained, "After you all returned from that special dungeon, the Zombie Kingdom, didn’t you receive settlement rewards and a Compensation Treasure Box from the System?"

Dexter Luther nodded. "We did. I got a Skill Upgrade Scroll and learned the [Shield Charge] Skill. I can form a Shield and ram it straight into things." He sounded a little proud.

Matthew Dawson rubbed his neck. "I didn’t get a Skill, but I got a [Hidden Breath Necklace]. It slightly lowers my presence when I wear it, which is useful for scouting or escaping."

Crystal Lynn also showed off a new silver bracer on her wrist. "I got a [Light Spirit Bracelet]. It gives me a little boost to agility and balance."

Seraphina Sullivan glanced over them, confirming what they said.

She nodded. "That makes sense. In my Compensation Treasure Box, I got a [Vehicle Comprehensive Upgrade Card].

I used it on this RV."

Seraphina Sullivan patted the sturdy vehicle body.

"So you see, its internal space, comfort, energy system, external armor, and environmental adaptability are now all far beyond those of a normal vehicle.

Forget extreme temperatures; it can even withstand ordinary monster attacks or energy surges for a long time.

So with this vehicle as our mobile fortress, our chances of survival living on the surface aren’t low."

It dawned on Dexter Luther and the others. "So that’s why! No wonder your RV felt so stable and comfortable to ride in, Sullivan. The inside is like a small apartment!"

"So you don’t need to worry about us."

Seraphina Sullivan continued, "You’re the ones who should be concerned. Moving into the underground area, you’ll need to prepare supplies in advance for the extreme temperatures.

Things for warmth, things for cooling, clean drinking water, and long-lasting food.

Relying purely on trade might not be so easy in the Central Base. The population is too large, so resources are bound to be tight.

Since you’ve decided to live here, you need to adapt to the rules as quickly as possible and find a way to secure a stable supply chain."

Dexter Luther nodded seriously. "You’re right, Sullivan.

We’ll go move our allocated supplies and the things we saved up downstairs now. We’ll get our place set up first, then figure out how to get some things for the heat and cold."

"Okay, you go handle your business. We’ll get in touch after you’re settled," Seraphina Sullivan said.

"Alright, Sullivan, we’re heading out then. You guys be careful too. That Ethan Soto doesn’t look like he’s going to give up."

Dexter Luther, Crystal Lynn, and Matthew Dawson said their goodbyes and left, walking toward the entrance to the underground area.

After they were gone, Flora Sullivan, who had been quiet all this time, pouted, her little face full of displeasure. "Boss, I think this place has too many rules and too many bad people. It’s not comfortable at all.

We’d be better off finding an empty place to live on our own. We could do whatever we want, and if anyone bothers us, we can just kill them and feed them to the flowers! So much more peaceful!"

Her words exposed the side of her that, as the "Corpse-flower Queen," believed in the law of the jungle.

Seraphina Sullivan ruffled her hair, her tone gentle but firm.

"Flora, humans are social creatures.

Surviving alone might work in the short term, but in the long run, faced with unknown natural disasters and constantly evolving threats, an individual’s power is ultimately limited.

Besides, while human society is complicated and has bad people, it also has people like Dexter Luther and Justin Brooks who are willing to help each other, and people like Brandon Barton and his group who do their best to maintain order.

We need information, we need to trade, and we need a certain degree of a safety buffer. All of that is easier to obtain in a large settlement."

She paused, looking into Flora Sullivan’s uncomprehending eyes. "As for being human being hard... it’s true. Interpersonal relationships, navigating rules, emotional ties—they’re all much more complex than a simple contest of power.

But that’s exactly what we need to learn and adapt to. You still have a lot to learn. Take your time; there’s no rush."

Flora Sullivan nodded, still not fully understanding, but some of the ferocity in her eyes dissipated. "Okay, I’ll listen to you, Boss. I’ll learn slowly."

The two of them said no more and began to quickly organize their supplies, setting up their temporary surface-level base.

Seraphina Sullivan handled the important items, the ones that shouldn’t be seen by others.

She stored them all safely in her personal Space.

The Four Seasons Deer Herd quietly adapted to their new environment inside the pen, with Flora Sullivan going over to soothe them from time to time.