Eliot let out a whistle as he heard Shane's words. He knew about the Zombie Grinder and it was definitely an incredible project…
"You're thinking big. I like it…" If possible he wanted to be part of it to expand his knowledge.
Shane smirked. "Have to. Eclipse Domain isn't just a shelter anymore—it's becoming a true human settlent. And with fuel, we have an edge that most places don't."
Eliot nodded in agreent. "If we can secure more crude oil, we'll be set for the long term. But refining is one thing—what about distribution?"
Shane exhaled, already having considered this. "We need to expand the roads and establish trade routes with friendly shelters. We'll also need a secure storage facility for the refined fuel. Too risky to keep everything in one place."
Eliot grinned. "Now you're really sounding like a town leader."
Shane chuckled. "More like a warlord with a vision."
The two exchanged a look, knowing that this was just the beginning of their territory's advancent.
With oil, power, and expansion on the plan, Eclipse Domain was definitely going to beco a force to be reckoned with.
***
On the next day, the sunlight crept through the small window of Leon's room, a bell rang out informing everyone in the dormitory that it was ti to wake...
It had been two months ever since he arrived in this shelter.
He had woken up early and already prepared himself for the day. As he left this room, the hallway was still silent but soon, the Eclipse Domain would be bustling with life as they would start another day of work.
Leon was actually living in the southern sector of the Eclipse Domain where many of the laborers are located.
Two months ago, he never would have imagined living in a place like this. From scavenger to a full-ti worker…
Indeed, before coming to Eclipse Domain, Leon had spent most of his life as a scavenger, drifting from one ruin to another, barely surviving.
He had seen the worst the apocalypse had to offer—zombies, raiders, hunger, betrayal.
When he and his group stumbled upon this shelter, they were half-starved, sick, and desperate.
Most places would have turned them away.
But here, Shane had given them a chance.
Work for three months, contribute to the community, and they will beco a permanent resident. He just needed one month left before he could obtain the Permanent Resident Token.
Anyway, this shelter was the best thing that ever happened to Leon. Now, he was no longer worried about the rain as he already had a roof above his head. The food was no longer a problem and he could even take a bath daily with the five wells or sources of water in the domain.
This was such a great place to live and he wasn't going to waste this chance as he planned to work hard for this place.
Anyway, Leon adjusted his work uniform—a reinforced jumpsuit—and headed out of the building or dormitory for workers like him.
The Worker's Hall, located near the industrial sector, was already filled with activity. There were even so night-shift people who were still here having so als before going to their rooms to sleep.
There were long wooden tables were lined up, with workers chatting, eating, and preparing for the day ahead.
The hall was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, eggs, and roasted mushrooms.
"Oi, Leon! Over here!"
A man with a thick beard and a loud voice waved him over. He was Randy, one of the senior refinery workers. He was previously from the Springriver Manor, another shelter owned by Shane.
Next to him sat Miles, a younger worker who had joined a week ago, another scavenger like Leon who had been given such a great opportunity.
Leon grabbed a plate of food and sat down.
"Morning," Leon greeted before he started digging into his al.
"You look like hell," Randy said seeing that Leon's hair wasn't fixed. "Bad dreams?"
"Nah," Leon chuckled. "Just lost my comb... I'll buy one at the convenience store later."
This convenience store was filled with various items they could use for themselves or even decorate their rooms. They could be food, hygiene items, or even just so figurines or pieces of furniture.
"Can't believe I'm actually working a real job… Right, is it true that Sir Treant already received his Permanent Resident Token?"
Leon nodded at this. "It's true, that guy is actually from Silver Mine Camp and already served there for a couple of months before coming here."
Miles smiled as he also envied the lucky man… "I hope to get it soon… I heard that getting it will allow us for promotion and even access to a better residence. Seriously, I don't think I can go back scavenging again."
"That's the Eclipse Domain for you. One minute, you're fighting for scraps, the next, you're earning a wage and sleeping in an actual bed." Leon said with a chuckle as he could understand Miles' sentint since when he got here, he also felt that all the opportunities they were able to get were too good to be true.
This was especially true for the fact that food was actually not a concern in this shelter. It was sothing that would never happen to scavengers like them before.
Randy grinned. "Ain't complainin'. Anyway, finish up quickly. The foreman's expecting us at the tower in fifteen."
Leon nodded as today was another busy shift.
***
The Distillation Tower was at the center of the industrial zone or the southern sector of the shelter.
It was a magnificent product of engineering that seed impossible to be created before…
There were pipes that would blow so steam, chanical arms that adjusted pressure valves, and massive vats that could be seen shaking for refining crude oil into usable fuel.
As for Leon's job, it was quite simple but very important.
He was monitoring the separation chambers and ensuring pressure stability. It wasn't glamorous, but it was essential…
"Leon, check Valve B-12! Pressure's climbing!" soone shouted.
"On it!" Leon ran to the control panel, quickly adjusting the flow. Imdiately, the readings stabilized.
This work was quite hard at first but thankfully, they were able to obtain clear instruction manuals so they could never be lost. The manuals seed to be made by a person nad Cloud and whoever he was, Leon was grateful to him.
Anyway, seeing that the problem was easily fixed, he exhaled in relief.
A single mistake could cause major problems.
Of course, despite the hard work, there was pride in what they were doing. Every drop of fuel they refined ant sothing. It could be for the growth, expansion, or even security for the settlent.
***
After work, the workers visited the pub in the western sector of the shelter.
Inside, everyone could imdiately sll the scent of roasted at, alcohol, and the faintest trace of gun oil. Well, it was already the signature aroma of The Rusty Tankard, the second most popular pub in Eclipse Domain.
Many people filled the space. It was filled with laughter, clinking mugs, and various stories of their life when they were still outside the shelter.
Leon liked this situation a lot as it was completely different from their days as scavengers where they always had to keep their mouth shut to avoid being noticed by so Zombies.
At this ti, he gripped his fourth salary which was in a small pouch… He held it tightly before tucking it into his pocket.
It was his. Earned through sweat and labor and as to celebrate the day, he visited this place for a drink...
Of course, he wasn't the only one feeling that sense of accomplishnt.
Around him, his fellow refinery workers thought of having fun as well.
Soon, Randy was already halfway through his first mug of ale…
"You should've seen Miles today! Thought he was gonna have a heart attack when the pressure gauge spiked!"
Miles snickered, raising his own drink. "Hey, at least I didn't run screaming. That's progress!"
Leon chuckled at their conversation as he focused on his drink.
At this ti, the doors swung open with a loud creak, and several people noticed the arrival of a famous Foreign Survivor.
He was a man clad in his usual tactical gear mixed with rugged street clothes.
He was Tundra also known as the Bomber or sotis, the Terrorist... It was all because of his ability.
Nonetheless, he was considered to be one of the Eclipse Domain's demolition experts.
Of course, the main reason why several people glanced in his direction was because it wasn't just him who entered the pub.
Apparently, on either side of him were two stunning won.
The two clung to him, laughing at sothing he whispered as they made their way to an empty booth near the bar.
Many of them envied that n as only 20% of their population here were actually won. In any case, they heard that there would be visitors coming to their shelter soon…
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