Chapter 833: Survivor Pact ( Part 1 )
Another two days passed.
A certain area within Sector 10 was the chosen meeting place for the Survivor Pact. This small area was probably considered the most peaceful land on the continent.
Not because they were extremely strong here who could defeat any Zombies, but because the Zombies themselves weren’t coming here due to the terrain. They had to pass several rivers with barely any bridges, and that would not be easy.
Indeed, the land here was unusually peaceful compared to other regions since the concentration of zombies was low, almost negligible.
However, the area where the settlement was located had limited sources for food or even experience points. After all, without Zombies, they wouldn’t get loot like bread and water, including Experience Points to level.
Because of that, this was only a good place for those who were desperate to survive.
The settlement here was standing in the middle of a prairie, where tall grass surrounded it.
The settlement itself was modest. It was small enough that it could at most handle about five hundred people.
Still, it had a two-meter-high stone wall enclosing the perimeter.
Furthermore, they had four watchtowers and five visible automated turrets.
Then, they also had two barrier generators and other defensive structures on the grounds. It wasn’t a fortress by any means, but it was secure enough for its size.
"They should be arriving soon..." Natalie muttered as she ensured that the place was well-protected, including the area around them.
Well, she didn’t like it, but this was the place they had agreed to conduct a meeting.
It was Natalie’s fourth shelter, originally established as a fallback stronghold due to the massive underground bunker hidden beneath it.
Back then, it had been a contingency plan. It was an insurance policy if New Haven Clan’s main territories ever fell. But as the Clan grew stronger, and as Natalie discovered far better fortified locations, this place was gradually demoted in importance.
Now, it was mostly used for one thing... To farm a special grass.
The grass had thin silver streaks running along each blade, and it was known as Silverleaf Grass. It only grew in soil rich without any residual energy from slain zombies.
That was what they guessed at the very least. After all, it wouldn’t grow in other areas except for this place.
Anyway, once it was dried and processed, Silverleaf could be mixed into some medicinal potions or brewed into teas that slowed the progression of infection symptoms.
While it wasn’t strong enough to cure the Zombie Virus like holy water and other special potions, it was highly prized for prolonging survival in infected individuals until a true cure could be administered.
It was not as good as Shane’s Z-Virus Stabilizers, but they could prolong the spread of the virus as well.
Some Clans would kill for it... For New Haven, it was another tool for saving lives.
Water wasn’t an issue either. A deep well provided clean, steady water, making the settlement self-sufficient despite its size.
Only about fifty people resided here at any given time. Natalie herself was present, accompanied by her thirty elite guards, all equipped with Tier 5 armor, Epic Shields, and various crossbows or rifles slung across their backs.
The remaining twenty or so were support personnel like cooks, craftsmen, mechanics, medical aides, and others... They were the kind of people whose work ensured that a shelter continued to function.
***
"They’re finally here... That took quite some time... Still, they really brought their best." Natalie muttered after seeing the visitors.
As expected, the first to arrive were her allied Clans. She had informed them first, after all.
Soon, two black military SUVs rolled toward the gate...
It started kicking up dust as they came to a halt outside the stone walls. From them emerged the leaders of the Dawnspire Order and the Verdant Vanguard.
Joy, the leader of Dawnspire Order, stepped out first. Her Clan was Rank 15, and her people were known for their defensive discipline.
Since they would be meeting the other Clan Leaders or Representatives, she also wore her best.
It was a segmented plate armor with a long-bladed spear in hand. She even put some makeup on to look a lot better than other Clan Leaders.
After all, a good appearance would show that her clan was thriving...
At the very least, that was what she thought.
Behind her, half a dozen Dawnspire warriors climbed down from the SUV. They were each armed with guns, and their Military Gear was all well-maintained.
This Military Set was the one given by the system to everyone.
However, they had upgraded it all to Tier 5 Set, making them extremely competent.
"Wow... This place looked so peaceful. The air here is also cool and fresh. Nice location for a meeting." She commented after looking around.
Beside her came Sarah, the leader of Verdant Vanguard, the Rank 16 Clan.
Sarah looked more unassuming at first glance.
She was slim, with a hood pulled over her head...
But her people were anything but ordinary.
The Verdant Vanguard specialized in mobility and ambush tactics. The dozen fighters she brought along were lightly armored but carried curved blades, crossbows, and rifles...
They looked like hunters instead of soldiers. They also seemed trained to use the terrain to their advantage.
"So we’re the first to arrive, huh... I wonder how long it will take for others to get here." Sarah muttered.
The two Clans had chosen to travel together for safety, and their convoy represented both strength and unity.
They were only ranked 15 and 16 in the Clan Leaderboard, but if they worked together, they could still become a terrifying force.
The gatekeepers atop the wall immediately spotted them and gave the signal.
The gates opened, and Natalie’s guards greeted the newcomers with professional efficiency.
Inside the walls, Natalie herself was already waiting at the courtyard, dressed in white and silver robes that marked her as both a healer and a leader.
Well, she wasn’t really a healer of some sort, but she wanted to appear like a support type Survivor, as it would also fit in her role as a mediator and the leader of the Coalition.
She didn’t like to appear as a battle maniac Survivor but as a reasonable one.
Her presence brought joy to the two Clan Leaders...
"Joy, Sarah," Natalie greeted them warmly as they approached. "I’m glad you came. The road through Sector 10 can still be dangerous, even if the undead are sparse here."
Joy gave a small nod.
"We had a few battles with some Giant Zombies and a few Tyrant Zombies, but nothing we couldn’t handle. Your guards have kept the surrounding area clean."
Sarah smiled as well after seeing Natalie’s bright face as she tugged the back of her hood.
"Peaceful as it is, I’d rather be inside walls than out there with nothing but grass between me and a surprise horde."
Natalie smiled at that. "Then you’re in the right place. Come in... We’ve prepared food and quarters for your people. The meeting will begin once the other representatives arrive."
Her guards formed a discreet perimeter as the allied leaders and their warriors were escorted into the settlement.
The cooks had already prepared a simple but hearty meal...
Some of them were fresh bread baked in stone ovens, dried meats, root vegetables, and herbal tea brewed from Silverleaf.
Craftsmen were busy maintaining weapons at a forge near the bunker entrance, while medical aides were prepared to treat anyone with minor wounds at a makeshift infirmary.
***
The three women soon found themselves seated at a long wooden table in the courtyard... Everyone was already finished having their meals, and after some time, the Clan Leaders were about to have some tea.
The guards maintained a respectful distance, while servants moved quietly to serve snacks and tea.
For a while, the conversation was simple...
They were exchanging news about their shelters, commenting on the rarity of such a peaceful place, even joking about how strange it was to sit without worrying about an incoming horde.
But gradually, their talk shifted to the real matter at hand.
"The Survivor Pact..." Natalie said as she looked at the two...
"It has potential. If we’re serious about it, this could be more than just an agreement on paper. It could change the balance between Clans."
Joy nodded firmly. "Agreed. But if we’re gathering so many different groups, we’ll need rules. Structure. Otherwise, it’ll dissolve into another shouting match like the Sector 5 gathering last month."
Sarah smirked. "You mean when three leaders nearly shot each other before the first vote was even finished? I was there. A disaster... It’s difficult if Alexander from the Shadowbinders is there."
"Exactly..." Joy replied as she recalled that event.
"On that note, Natalie... I’d like to contribute something practical. My Clan’s medical unit brought supplies and equipment to set up an auxiliary infirmary. With seven or even nine more Clans arriving, we’ll need more than five Bishops to handle screenings."
Natalie had brought five bishops with her, disguised as normal guards. They were the ones monitoring for any infected Survivors.