Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 116

Chapter 116: Chapter 56: The Next Phase of Stability and Research_1

Ezzie, who had been silently listening until now was clearly impressed. “Damn, Bella, it’s like basically creating a new economy.”

Bella shrugged. “That’s the goal because right now the old currency is worthless and money doesn’t mean anything anymore, and can’t go like this forever so we have to establish as system or structure and this contribution points can serve as the new currency—at least for now, until we find a better solution.”

The logic was sound, and Amira was just about to voice her approval when a quiet voice from across the room made everyone pause.

“Damn you, Bella, you’re just introducing the same system from that apocalyptic novel we read together.” The words belonged to Rina, who sat at the far side of the table with her arms crossed and her expression full of cute and adorable betrayal.

For a moment, silence filled the room. Then—laughter erupted.

Even Amira and Aiden, who were usually reserved, couldn’t help but smile. The sudden break in tension lightened the room, making the heavy discussions more bearable.

Bella, instead of getting offended, just chuckled and leaned back in her chair. “Hey, just because I read it in a novel doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. Good ideas deserve to be used.”

Rina let out an exaggerated sigh, shaking her head. “I swear, if I had just spoken first, I’d be the genius in the room right now.”

More chuckles followed and even Tommy muttered something as he looked at Rina in love struck expression but nobody heard.

After the light moment, Amira’s expression turned serious again, bringing everyone’s focus back. “Alright, it’s a solid plan, so we’ll move forward with it.”

She shifted her gaze towards two men sitting at the main table alongside her and Aiden’s teams—Eric and Bard.

These two weren’t fighters, but they had earned their place among the leadership with sheer contribution and expertise.

Eric was a middle-aged man in his late 40s and was originally from this town, he had been working as a tech engineer in the Federation’s research facility before the surge. He had only come here for vacation with his family but ended up stuck when everything fell apart.

Luckily, his technical knowledge had proven invaluable, especially when setting up their wired communication network and various defense systems. Without him, they would have struggled significantly.

Bard, on the other hand, was in his early 60s and a former military officer, who had also spent years as an author writing extensively about tactics, warfare, and survival strategies. His experience and insight had made him a valuable advisor in strategic planning.

Amira glanced at at both men and gave them a firm nod. “I need you both to sit down with Bella and whoever else you think can help and draft a proper framework for this contribution system. We need it to be functional, fair, and secure also make sure there are no loopholes anyone can exploit.”

Eric, who had been quietly processing everything nodded. “Understood. I’ll work on the technical aspects—tracking the points, creating a system that can’t be easily manipulated.”

Bard stroked his beard, thoughtfully before adding. “And I’ll make sure the system is fair and doesn’t breed unnecessary conflict. If we do this right, we won’t just be establishing order, we’ll be creating stability.”

Amira leaned back slightly, satisfied. “Good. This needs to be in motion as soon as possible.”

She then turned to Megan, who was still standing after delivering her report. “Megan, one more thing—while we’re keeping the workforce primarily normal civilians, we should still incorporate some awakened individuals into the process. It will speed up process and, at the same time, serve as training for those with abilities and help them practice controlling their spiritual energy, stabilize their element, and develop discipline.”

She then looked at everyone and continued. “Our teams don’t need this, as we’re already undergoing intensive missions outside, but these new awakened individuals within the basin should get daily training, even if it’s through labor.”

Aiden, who had been listening, interjected with a nod. “That’s a solid plan because right now, we have around 10,000 awakened individuals among the civilians. If we involve them in different tasks, we can assess their strengths and weaknesses and maybe some of them might even have potential.”

His words resonated with the room , because everyone knew that even with Aiden’s unit and Amira’s forces, their numbers were still too low to properly secure the basin while continuing external missions.

“It’s only a matter of time before we need to expand our security forces,” Bella muttered, crossing her arms. “Might as well start training them now.”

Megan acknowledged the point, making quick notes before moving toward her seat. “I’ll make sure we balance the workload between regular workers and awakened individuals. That’s all from me regarding food supplies, population updates, and awakened statistics.”

With that, she sat down.

Amira then checked the time and noted how much had already been discussed and though many topics had been covered, a few departments were still left.

She turned toward Bella and Aiden, both leading the internal and external security teams, but instead of addressing them, her gaze shifted to her younger sister, Layla. “Layla, you’re up.”

Layla, who had been waiting patiently stood up—but she didn’t move toward the monitor. Instead, she remained near her seat, her stance casual yet firm. “Our research team has been working on multiple projects. First, we’re still looking for ways to utilize beast meat more efficiently and additionally, we’re experimenting with spirit cores that have been found inside certain mutated beasts but…” she paused, looking around the table before continuing, “…so far, no major breakthroughs.”

No one was too surprised as research took time, and with everything happening, their progress was already admirable.

“However,” Layla continued, “there is something that needs immediate attention.”

Everyone sat a little straighter, sensing the shift in tone.

“Our department isn’t just handling these research topics but—it’s also responsible for your weapons, armor, and vehicles and we have noticed a serious problem.” She let her words sink in before proceeding. “During several recent missions, our armored vehicles, which were once sturdy enough for almost any terrain, have begun wearing down at an alarming rate while the roads aren’t what they used to be—cracked surfaces, debris, unstable ground increased a lot which is taking a huge toll on our vehicles.”

Aiden exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple. “I figured as much as these vehicles weren’t built for an environment where the terrain is changing every week.”