Chapter 109: Lunaria

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Six months after the apocalypse, civilization began to rise again from the ashes. The survivors worked hard to restore some order and stability in the chaotic world. One of the most prominent groups was the military, who built a massive wall around an entire province and isolated it from the rest of the country. This province became the new safe haven for the military and their allies, and the only way to access it was by air or water. It was the last hope for many people who sought refuge and protection.

However, not everyone was willing to submit to the military's authority. Some powerful factions, such as Souta's group, seized the opportunity to expand their own influence and territory. Two weeks after the cities were destroyed by the nukes, Souta and his group launched a war against the other bases that refused to join them. They used their superior resources and preparation to conquer an entire province for themselves and declared it as their own kingdom: Lunaria.

Lunaria was different from the military's province in many ways. Instead of a single wall, it had multiple outposts that guarded the borders and the key locations. These outposts were led by Souta's trusted lieutenants, who enforced his rule and vision. To prevent any rebellion or dissent, Souta supplied them with food, weapons, and soldiers. They had no choice but to depend on him and him alone. Lunaria had at least 50 outposts scattered around the province, but the main base was the one that was surrounded by mountains. It was the most secure and fortified place in the kingdom, and it had grown into a large town with a population of 10,000 people. It was the heart of Lunaria and the seat of Souta's power.

The main base of Lunaria was a formidable stronghold, surrounded by mountains and fortified by walls and towers. It was the center of Souta's power and influence and the home of his loyal followers. The base had expanded over time, as the nearby outposts merged with it and formed a large town. The town had everything the survivors needed: houses, shops, schools, hospitals, factories, and more. It was a thriving community and a beacon of hope for many people in the post-apocalyptic world.

The base also had a formidable army, composed of both professional soldiers and trained civilians. They were well-equipped and well-disciplined, and they defended the base and the kingdom from any external threats. They also patrolled the province, which was a zombie-free zone thanks to their efforts. The province was clean and safe, and the people could travel and trade freely within it. The province was the territory of Lunaria, and no one dared to challenge its sovereignty.

The base also had a sustainable economy based on agriculture and industry. It had a large farm, which produced enough food for the entire kingdom. It also had a water treatment plant, which provided clean water for the people. It also had a power plant, which generated electricity for the town. It also had a communication system, which connected the base with the outposts and the outside world. The base had everything it needed to survive and prosper, and it was self-sufficient and independent.

Because of it's power, many survivors near them decided to join or trade with them, and the power and influence of them has become large. Strict policies and rules are also provided to make sure everyone is safe.

Somewhere in the wasteland, a group of survivors was cursing their luck. "Damn, because of the nukes, most of the gas stations and vehicles are useless now! Even the nuclear plant blew up, and the radiation is everywhere! Goddamit! Because of the selfishness of the so-called new order, we small groups of survivors are suffering because of their decisions!" The group leader, a man in his 30s named Markie, shouted in frustration.

"Can you just calm down? Complaining won't do anything anyway. The van is broken, and we can't fix it. We have to continue to travel by foot until we find a safe place." A girl in her 20s named Margie said calmly.

"She's right. We should plan our next move instead of complaining. The others are also tired and hungry, so we should rest in the store near the gas station first. We might also find some useful items there, like food, water, or weapons." A young man named Jonathan said, as he looked at their exhausted group.

The leader sighed, "My bad, I got too ahead of myself. You're right. We should rest first." Their group then walked and went to the store nearby to stay for the day.

Then, while checking the store for anything useful, they heard the sound of engines approaching. Cautious, they immediately hid behind the shelves and windows and saw two motorcycles and three armored military vehicles passing by. They had a symbol on their vehicles: a crescent moon, mountains a star.

"The symbol on their vehicles... that's the famous Lunaria group, right?" Jonathan whispered while looking at the vehicles.

"Lunaria? What kind of group is that?" Markie asked, beside him.

"Lunaria, it's a large group. It's famous for its declaration that they are a kingdom, and their leader is Souta, a ruthless and powerful warlord. Their power is something not to be underestimated. If I'm correct, those are their scouts. They have been spreading their influence and territory and conquering other bases. To think that they have reached here now, the next province, Nervana."

"..., are they trustworthy?"

"Well... as long as you are kind and willing to follow them, they will spare you. That's what they did to the bases that surrendered peacefully."

"And those who didn't?"

"They were all killed, without mercy."

Markie gulped. "We should join them."

"What? Why?" Jonathan asked, surprised.

"We have to take the risk. Many have sacrificed their lives already. We can only join them to be safe, as long as we aren't going to do something stupid, they'll spare us, right? So we should do that."

The group debated the risky proposition of aligning themselves with Lunaria. Markie's argument of seeking safety in numbers resonated with some, given the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world. However, others were skeptical, wary of pledging allegiance to a group with a reputation for ruthlessness.

"I understand the fear, but joining Lunaria might be our best chance at survival," Markie insisted. "We can't afford to take unnecessary risks. If we stay independent, we might not make it through the next threat."

Margie, however, expressed concern. "Surviving at the cost of our freedom doesn't seem like a fair trade. We've seen what happened to other groups who resisted. Is that the life we want for ourselves?"

Jonathan chimed in, "Safety is crucial, but we should explore other options. Perhaps we can find or establish a smaller, more cooperative community. We don't have to be at the mercy of a powerful warlord."

As they continued their discussion, the distant rumble of motorcycle engines grew louder. The Lunaria scouts had stopped at the gas station, seemingly unaware of the hidden survivors observing them.

"We need to make a decision quickly," Markie urged, glancing at the approaching Lunaria scouts. "It's either join them or risk facing the consequences of staying independent."

Jonathan hesitated but ultimately agreed, "Fine, for the sake of safety, let's approach them cautiously. We'll state our intentions and hope they're in a benevolent mood."

The group emerged from their hiding spot, cautiously revealing themselves to the Lunaria scouts and their arms put high up in the air. As the armored vehicles came to a halt, soldiers in distinctive Lunaria attire stepped out, pointing their guns at them, eyeing the survivors with a mix of curiosity and suspicion

A man wearing a crescent moon, mountain, and star-adorned uniform approached, likely a high-ranking member of Lunaria. "Who are you, and what business do you have here?"

Markie stepped forward, "We're just survivors trying to find a safe place. We've heard about Lunaria and thought it might be best to seek your protection."

The Lunaria representative eyed them shrewdly. "Protection comes at a cost. You will abide by our rules, contribute to our community, and never defy our authority. In return, you'll be granted safety and provisions."

The survivors exchanged uneasy glances but reluctantly nodded in agreement. The decision was made, and they joined the convoy of Lunaria scouts, leaving behind the uncertainties of independence for the supposed safety within the kingdom's walls.