Chapter 71 Ruling
Tension rippled through the group at the tax announcement, but Iris quickly softened the blow with her next words.
“In return, all residents under my protection will enjoy the safest environment possible. You can produce freely, live as peacefully as before the apocalypse, and receive regular welfare benefits.”
She understood the ancient art of governing–five core tactics to maintain order: unify thought, weaken factional power, keep residents occupied, foster mutual oversight, and limit excessive wealth accumulation.
Unifying thought meant aligning everyone with her leadership.
Residents must share her goal of building a thriving base, recognizing her as the sole pillar of authority.
Weakening factional power ensured the base’s strength outweighed any individual or group, preventing rebellious cliques from challenging her rule.
Dana’s group from the previous day was a stark warning— clustered together with hidden agendas, they’d been nothing but trouble.
145would never welcome such a faction; they’d only disrupt the
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base’s peace.
Iris maintained control by emasculating her subordinates, shattering their unity, and forcing them into isolation so that they remained merely disparate fragments of her domain, powerless to challenge her rule.
The survivors she’d taken in were scattered individuals, temporarily united but without a strong leader. Even Kevin, the most vocal, lacked real influence, making them easy to integrate, with loyalty naturally shifting to Iris.
Keeping residents occupied meant giving them a clear purpose, driven by the points system.
The daily 10–point tax, paired with late fees and expulsion risks, would push everyone to work tirelessly, their focus fixed on earning points to sustain themselves.
Fostering mutual oversight, through the reporting system, ensured rules were enforced efficiently. It made everyone
cautious, encouraging hard work and compliance to avoid being reported.
Limiting excessive wealth accumulation–once a key tactic in stable societies–was unnecessary here.
It kept people poor, taking everything beyond basic needs. It anned everyone into wage slaves who worked their w lo lives41
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with no savings and no way to get ahead.
This system trapped people in endless survival, leaving them too busy to care about anything else.
However, Iris‘ fledgling base needed growth, not scarcity.
The 10–point daily tax would motivate productivity, while diligent residents could still accumulate savings.
As the base’s leader, Iris would guarantee safety, provide essential support, and distribute benefits—rewarding hard work with the best living conditions among all post–apocalyptic bases.
“In the early stage, I’ll provide free seeds, tools, and all necessary supplies. Nathan and his family will guide you in farming and breeding. The territory tax will be waived for one month–after that, everyone must fulfill their dues,” Iris announced, easing the group’s worries.
A mix of awe and gratitude washed over the survivors.
Iris offered them safety, a home, and a chance to rebuild their lives–with a one–month buffer to get on their feet.
Fast–maturing vegetables could be harvested in that time, bridging the gap to self–sufficiency.
Their 50 to 80 base points would sustain them comfor bly,11:41
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while the incentive system fueled their motivation to work.
She knew a crucial truth: a dragon that only brought prosperity would be reduced to a laborer.
But a dragon with the power to destroy, paired with kindness, would be worshipped as a god.
Ruling required a balance of grace and authority—and Iris had become their god.
“Ms. Hale, shouldn’t our base have a name?” Nathan asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
Iris paused for a moment, considering, then addressed the group with conviction.
“Midsummer Base. From now on, you are all residents of
Midsummer Base.”
Spirits lifted at the name, and their gazes toward Iris turned devout, filled with unwavering reverence.
Just then, a crisp system notification echoed in her mind.
“Ding–Supreme Lord System activated! Territory named successfully!
Ding–Prosperity level unlocked! Current prosperity! 11:41
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“Reward: Resident loyalty increased by 10%!
“Reward: Base production increased by 10%!”
Iris‘ eyes widened in surprise.
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1r Gifts
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
