Free Web NovelChapter 152: Chapter 152 Hope base!
Mr. and Mrs. Smith also gathered around Ivy and Darren, both of them curious about what Ivy intended to say next.
"Before I start..." Ivy began, seriousness etched into her tone as she looked around at everyone present. "Mr. Smith will be responsible for enforcing the rules I’m about to set. He’ll be in charge of supervising everyone and making sure things run smoothly. So, can I trust you with that responsibility?"
"Of course you can, Mrs. Ivy," Mr. Smith replied immediately, his expression firm and determined. "Whatever you want me to do, I’ll do it without hesitation. You’ve already saved our lives. The least I can do is help however I can."
"Good." Ivy nodded with a satisfied smile. "I’m glad to hear that."
Afterward, she turned her attention back to the survivors. Every single one of them had curious expressions on their faces, wondering what rules she was about to announce.
"So..." Ivy continued, folding her arms across her chest. "The basic rule for everyone who will be living here is simple. You will all have to use points to pay taxes. Failure to do so will eventually result in expulsion from the base."
"Huh?"
The survivors immediately erupted into confusion.
"Points?"
"What points?"
"What does she mean by that?"
Several people exchanged puzzled glances while others scratched their heads in confusion.
"There are specific tasks that all of you will be doing here," Ivy explained patiently as she slowly walked among the survivors. "Those tasks can be considered your contribution toward maintaining this place. In return, you earn protection from me, food, shelter, and access to resources necessary for your daily lives."
The survivors listened attentively.
"This system is called the Base Points System," Ivy continued. "Just as I said earlier, you work and earn points based on the tasks you complete. The amount of points earned will vary depending on the difficulty and importance of the task." fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
She paused briefly before continuing.
"Those points can then be exchanged for supplies and resources. Even the monster cores all of you collected earlier can be exchanged for points. Once converted, those points can be used to obtain food, tools, seeds, equipment, and other necessities. You’ll also use points to pay your living taxes."
The crowd immediately began whispering among themselves.
"So you mean we have to work in order to live here?" one of the survivors asked, raising an eyebrow. "And anyone who refuses to work will be sent out?"
"Exactly." Ivy nodded without hesitation. "There’s nothing free in this world anyway. Life has always been about give and take. If everyone simply consumed resources without contributing anything in return, then eventually there would be nothing left. Everyone who stays here must pull their own weight."
The survivor nodded thoughtfully.
Honestly, when he thought about it, Ivy’s demands weren’t unreasonable at all.
After all, she was providing them with safety in a world overrun by monsters.
"Apart from monster cores that can be converted into points, what other tasks can earn us points?" another survivor asked curiously while the others nodded in agreement. They were equally interested in the answer.
"Planting crops, harvesting crops, maintaining farmland, carrying supplies, cleaning, helping with construction, and performing assigned tasks can all earn points," Ivy replied. "As the base grows, there will be even more opportunities to earn them."
She then gestured toward Mr. Smith.
"For the farming aspect, Mr. Smith will be your supervisor. He’s more skilled and experienced when it comes to planting crops. Most of your initial work will revolve around agriculture since food production is currently our highest priority."
Mr. Smith straightened his back proudly.
"I’ll do my best to guide everyone," he said confidently.
"I’m sure you will," Ivy replied with a nod.
Her expression soon became serious once again.
"And let me make one thing clear. There will be no slacking off."
The survivors immediately sat up straighter.
"You are all required to work consistently. Every resident will be required to pay a total of ten points in taxes every month for as long as they continue living here."
A few worried expressions appeared among the crowd.
Fortunately, Ivy quickly continued.
"However, don’t worry. All of you will receive a one-month exemption period."
The atmosphere instantly relaxed.
"For the next month, I will provide protection, farming tools, seeds, and the resources necessary for your crops without collecting any taxes. This will give you enough time to settle down and establish yourselves."
The survivors couldn’t help but feel relieved.
"The taxes will only begin after your one-month grace period is over," Ivy explained. "By then, your crops should already be growing, and you’ll have had plenty of opportunities to earn points."
Many of the survivors nodded.
Compared to wandering outside while constantly fearing monster attacks, these conditions were more than fair.
"So tell me..." Ivy said, sweeping her gaze across the crowd. "After hearing these rules, who is willing to stay and who wants to leave? You are free to make your decision now."
Silence followed.
No one raised their hand.
Not a single person moved from their seat.
The memory of the two women who had stubbornly chosen to leave was still fresh in everyone’s minds. They had all witnessed the horrifying sight of those women returning as monsters.
Compared to that fate, staying under Ivy’s protection was clearly the smarter choice.
Only a fool would choose otherwise.
"We’ll stay," one of the survivors finally declared, his tone firm and serious. fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
"We’ll stay too."
"There’s no reason for us to leave."
"Exactly."
One after another, the survivors voiced their agreement.
The sight caused a broad smile to appear on Ivy’s lips.
"Excellent."
She turned toward Mr. Smith.
"You have a lot of work ahead of you now, Mr. Smith. I’ll have to trouble you with the supervision."
"Oh no, Mrs. Ivy." Mr. Smith shook his head immediately. "I’m more than happy to help supervise everyone. In fact, I’m grateful that you’ve entrusted me with such an important responsibility."
Then a thoughtful expression appeared on his face.
"Actually, there’s something I’ve been wondering about."
"What is it?" Ivy asked.
"Do you have a name for this base?" Mr. Smith inquired. "I mean, you’re gradually building a proper settlement. Survivors are moving into the villa area, farms are being established, and rules are being put in place. This isn’t just a temporary shelter anymore."
Several survivors immediately nodded.
"He’s right."
"A base should have a name."
"Every settlement needs one."
"Something people can remember."
"That’s true." Ivy placed a hand on her chin as she fell into thought. "To be honest, I never really thought about naming it before."
The survivors waited patiently.
A few moments later, a gentle smile appeared on Ivy’s face.
"I think I know what to call it."
Everyone immediately became interested.
"I’m going to name the base after my third daughter."
The survivors exchanged curious glances.
"Her name is Hope."
A look of warmth appeared in Ivy’s eyes as she spoke.
"In a world like this, hope is one of the most important things people can have. It’s what keeps people moving forward when everything else seems lost."
The crowd fell silent.
"Many people have lost their families, their homes, and their dreams since the apocalypse began. But as long as they still have hope, they can continue fighting for a better tomorrow."
Her gaze swept across the survivors.
"I want this place to be a symbol of that hope. A place where people can rebuild their lives. A place where they can feel safe again."
The survivors couldn’t help but feel moved by her words.
A warm smile spread across Ivy’s face as she made her announcement.
"From this day onward, this settlement shall be known as Hope Base."
For a moment, silence filled the air.
Then cheers erupted throughout the villa grounds.
"Hope Base!"
