By the ti the long verification process was finally over, it was already midday of the next day. Blood tests, infection scans, interviews, and multiple screenings had taken hours, but Jaxon and his group cleared every check without any issues. Compared to the other survivors, many of whom were still being kept under isolation for several more days, their process had ended much earlier.
Now, they were all gathered inside their assigned residential block. Everyone was present except Sumiko, who was still in the dical room, with Isabel staying behind to watch over the little girl.
Just as the special unit’s squad leader had promised, the entire group had been assigned C-3 status. That ant proper housing, stable food rations, and official protection inside the compound.
Their unit was noticeably better than the lower-class accommodations. The space was clean and organized, with reinforced doors and windows, separate rooms, and enough space for everyone to move comfortably. It was a stark contrast to the D-Class areas they had passed earlier, where dozens of survivors had to share one crowded living space.
Jaxon leaned lightly against the wall, looking at the group. "So... how’s everyone holding up?"
Hae-in was the first to answer. She looked around the room before speaking. "It’s weird... seeing so many people again."
Cindy nodded quickly. "Yeah, I know what you an. Feels strange not having to run, hide, or fight all the ti."
Elaine crossed her arms, though her posture was more relaxed than usual. "Co on, try to enjoy it a bit. We made it here after everything we’ve been through."
Na-rin, who had been quietly observing the reinforced windows, spoke in a calm tone. "I don’t think it’s good to relax yet. Rember what that girl said before. Even safe zones can fall. We can’t rely completely on the security here."
"It’s probably fine, right?" Claire said, glancing between the others. "They’ve got a lot of soldiers here. And those elite units too, with all that advanced gear. I think we’ll be okay."
Na-rin didn’t look convinced.
Before she could respond, Elena spoke up. "Na-rin’s right. Safe zone or not, we shouldn’t get complacent." She looked around at everyone. "You should all keep training with . Staying sharp is the only reason we’re still alive."
A wave of groans instantly spread in the room.
"Seriously?" Cindy slumped back on the chair. "We just got here..."
Hae-in sighed but did not argue.
Still, no one truly disagreed. After everything they had gone through, they all understood one thing clearly. Physical ability and condition were the difference between life and death outside.
Jaxon stayed quiet, observing their reactions one by one. ’Good,’ he thought calmly. If they wanted to survive long-term, growth couldn’t stop here. Especially now that he had ways to make people stronger.
Natasha crossed her arms slightly and spoke, bringing the discussion back on track. "We’re not here just to sit around either. From what I gathered, we still have to contribute if we want to keep our current privileges."
Jaxon gave a small nod. "Then let’s share what we’ve learned so far about this place."
Natasha stepped forward a little. "Alright. First, the status system. It’s basically the foundation of how this safe zone operates."
Everyone’s attention shifted to her.
"D-Class is the lowest active tier. F-Class are placed in isolation under constant monitoring, while E-Class require dical supervision. That’s why most of the workforce falls under D-Class." she explained "People with that status are required to work at least six hours a day. Construction, maintenance, laborers, anything the zone needs."
She paused briefly before continuing. "And when there’s a shortage of soldiers or an ergency recruitnt... D-Class civilians can be drafted whether they want to or not."
Elaine frowned imdiately. "Mandatory recruitnt? They’ll force civilians to fight?"
Natasha exhaled quietly. "From their perspective, it makes sense. Soldiers die constantly out there. The only way to replace manpower fast is to recruit from the civilian population."
Jaxon leaned back slightly, his eyes thoughtful. ’A system based on contribution and value,’ he concluded silently. ’Status, privileges, protection... all tied to usefulness.’
"But... I thought we’d be safe already once we got here," Hannah said softly, clearly caught off guard.
Haris glanced at Natasha. "What about our C-3 status? Are we included in that mandatory recruitnt?"
Natasha shook her head. "No. Mandatory drafting mainly applies to D-Class and below." She leaned back slightly before continuing, making sure everyone understood. "C-3 is categorized under Logistics and Support Staff. That ans we’re not required to be pulled into combat if recruitnt happens."
A few shoulders visibly relaxed.
"We haven’t been given specific roles yet," she added. "But most likely, we’ll be assigned to support-related work. Administration, supply, coordination, things like that. anwhile, people with specialized skills like engineers, chanics, or doctors can apply for C-2 status. That cos with better benefits and more stable positions."
Bong-gu let out a long breath. "I seriously thought they were going to force us to fight again," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "That’s... a relief."
Elena crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful rather than relaxed. "But do you actually want to stay as staff?"
The question made several of them pause.
"I’m more inclined to join as soldiers," she continued calmly. "We’ve already been fighting this whole ti. And more importantly, combat skills are what keep us alive out there. Relying purely on protection inside the walls isn’t sothing I’m comfortable with."
"I... I’m not sure yet," Bong-gu admitted.
Seeing the mood shift, Jaxon finally spoke. "You don’t all have to choose the sa path," he said in a steady tone. "It might actually be better if we don’t."
Everyone looked at him.
"If we take different roles, we can gather more information about how this place really works," he continued. "Logistics, security, dical, whatever it is. We share what we learn, and we stay connected. That way, we’re more flexible as a group."
He paused briefly before adding, "It’s not like we’re splitting up for good. We’ll still keep in contact."
Natasha nodded in agreent. "I think that’s the most practical approach. If any of you have other skills or sothing you genuinely want to pursue, it’s better to go that route instead of forcing yourselves into one role."
Then she added, "And we don’t have to decide imdiately. The administration is giving new arrivals a week to observe, think, and submit applications for their preferred assignnts."
The room gradually fell silent after that. Each of them sank into their own thoughts, quietly weighing safety, responsibility, and the uncertain future waiting for them inside the so-called safe zone.
"Natasha," Jaxon called, looking up from where he was leaning against the table. "There should be more options, right? Can you explain the rest?"
Natasha gave a small nod. "Yeah. The system here is divided into classes, from A down to F."
She paused for a second, recalling what she had learned. "I don’t have much information about A-Class yet," she admitted. "But from what I gathered, they’re likely the top authorities. The ones who run the entire safe zone."
The group listened quietly as she continued.
"B-Class is mostly military." She raised her fingers one by one as she explained. "B-1 are Special Units, the elites. Like that squad we assisted before. B-2 are Tactical Operations Units. B-3 are Field Command Units, usually responsible for coordinating missions. And B-4 are Military Officers, people like Thomas."
She then added, "C-1 is for standard military personnel. Regular soldiers."
"So C-1 is the easiest way into the military?" Haris asked.
"More or less," Natasha replied. "Anyone qualified can apply for C-1. But once you’re in, changing your status isn’t easy unless you get promoted through the ranks. From what I heard, climbing up the class system is difficult. Honestly, us getting C-3 right from the start is already a huge advantage."
Cindy let out a quiet sigh. "So in the end, it still cos down to working as staff or becoming soldiers... nothing’s really free here."
A few of them nodded in agreent.
Jaxon stayed thoughtful for a mont before speaking again. "Are there any roles that allow more independence?"
Elena tilted her head slightly. "Independence in what sense?"
"A role that allows us to leave the safe zone when needed," Jaxon said calmly. "Not being restricted inside the walls all the ti."
That imdiately drew puzzled looks from most of the group.
Jannah blinked. "Wait... you want to go outside, Big Brother?"
Hiromi frowned slightly as she looked at him. "Big Brother, why would you even want that? It’s dangerous out there."
"It’s sothing I need to do," Jaxon said quietly. "And you don’t have to follow . This... it’s my choice."
Elaine stepped closer, her expression serious. "Jaxon, if it’s sothing you need, just tell us. We might not be able to do much, but we’ll help. You’ve saved us more tis than I can count."
Jaxon gave a small nod. "I’ll let you know if I need help." He then turned to Natasha. "Is there a role like that?"
Natasha nodded. "C-5. They’re official governnt field runners. Think of it like a hybrid between soldier and civilian. They explore, retrieve supplies, investigate infected experints for researchers... They have more freedom to move around, less restrictions than regular soldiers or civilians."
Elena raised an eyebrow, looking at him closely. "You’re really thinking of applying for that?"
Jaxon shrugged lightly. "Depends. I want to see what the other options offer first."
Natasha gave a small, understanding smile. "Whatever you decide, I’ll co with you. But think carefully, Jaxon. From what I’ve learned, your status here isn’t just for this safe zone. It carries over to other safe zones too."
"I understand," Jaxon said, eyes narrowing slightly as he planned ahead, already weighing possibilities in his mind.
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