The room erupted in joy.

"Second Uncle, you're amazing!"

"Second Brother, we'll rely on you to lead the way!"

"Second Bro, you've led us to prosperity before, and now you'll lead us to survival!"

"Mayor Scott, I always knew you were capable, and now I'm definitely with you!"

...

Amid the flattery from his relatives, Bruce Scott waved them off grandly, "Rest assured! As long as I, Bruce Scott, have a bite to eat, none of you will go hungry!"

Next to the National Guard base was St. Martin Town.

These people were villagers from St. Martin, all related to Bruce Scott in some way.

After the purple mist descended, the National Guard had been thrown into disorder until Isaac Murphy took control, stabilizing the situation and organizing the protection of St. Martin's residents.

Bruce Scott was one of them, the town's mayor and also the owner of the St. Martin Cement Factory.

In fact, he and his brothers ran several cement plants in the vicinity.

Bruce Scott was a man of many talents—both capable in maintaining good relations with the East Mountains district government and ruthless when necessary.

He had a few desperadoes working for him at the cement plant, firmly guarding this lucrative business. No one dared cross him; he was a big shot in the East Mountains.

After being safeguarded by the military, Bruce Scott quickly ingratiated himself, mingling with lower-ranked officers and learning about the existence of ability fruits.

He then bought one with a gold chain from a military officer, and by sheer luck, gained a powerful 7-star combat ability!

Armed with this ability and his knack for navigating power dynamics, he infiltrated the mid-and-lower ranks of the National Guard.

In times of peace, this wouldn't have been possible.

But in an apocalypse, with soldiers restless and Isaac Murphy being newly appointed, unknown to many, Bruce Scott managed to effectively seize control.

The young and rigid Isaac Murphy had no idea what was happening.

Seizing the opportunity, Bruce Scott staged a coup to take over power.

He was exhilarated.

That fool Murphy, with an army of thousands at his disposal yet doing nothing, pretending to be wise while claiming orders from above forbade city entry?

Utter nonsense!

It was chaos now; whoever had firearms was king!

Higher orders meant squat!

Without delay, Bruce Scott summoned mid-and-lower-ranking officers, using promises and reassurances to temporarily stabilize morale and maintain control of the troops.

After setting the scene, Bruce Scott immediately convened a meeting with 15 key officers and 8 trusted aides.

Standing before everyone, Bruce Scott declared ambitiously, "We cannot remain idle; the apocalypse is a global disaster. We must expand our forces and increase the number of ability users swiftly to gain a foothold in the future chaos. I've decided to rescue all remaining survivors in New York City immediately!"

His words sparked excitement among the crowd.

Isaac Murphy's orders to hold position had long been a source of discontent.

Because it blocked their path to power and wealth!

For ordinary soldiers, staying still meant safety.

But for officers, it was a different matter.

When the purple mist first came, everyone was fearful.

Then they realized that the mutated creatures were still carbon-based life forms, and gunpowder could reduce them to dust!

What was there to fear!

With the powerful weapons they held, stationed around New York—a prime opportunity for advancement!

If order someday returned, rescuing a vast number of survivors would earn them merits and rank.

Should order never return, wielding control over thousands would make them rulers of those lands.

Either way—advance aggressively or defend steadily.

Acting now to save New York City survivors aligned with most officers' interests!

The crowd lamented in unison, "General Scott has our sympathy!"

"We cannot stand by while the people suffer!"

"General Murphy is incompetent, with countless civilians dying daily while he sits idle!"

"After raising soldiers for thousands of days, it's time they're used; General Scott, give the order!"

Bruce Scott inwardly thrilled.

Having just seized power, he needed achievements and respect to solidify his position.

Saving survivors would be both an achievement and a boon, providing the manpower necessary to bolster their ranks.

Only through such expansion would officers have a chance for promotion!

Even a small captain could see his numbers double!

Bruce Scott continued confidently, "My investigation revealed that New York still houses millions. Even saving a tenth would add up to 100,000 people. This will ease the manpower shortage."

"Naturally, if we rescue masses of survivors, preparations must be made."

"Firstly, about food—Isaac Murphy captured the National Strategic Storehouse by the coast. Though much has spoiled, there's still a large quantity of compressed biscuits and canned goods, so we're not lacking in food for now. Aron, you'll be the new quartermaster, responsible for all military rations and other supplies."

Bruce Scott promptly centralized food control.

Aron Scott, his younger brother, had been his trusted ally for years.

The former quartermaster, an ally of Isaac Murphy, had already been disposed of by Bruce Scott.

"Got it, bro!" Aron beamed happily.

The quartermaster role was a major post.

In a food-scarce apocalypse, holding enough supplies to feed millions meant immense power!

No one objected.

Regardless of who took charge, food control was a given.

Bruce Scott continued, "I've decided to form an ability-user squad, consolidating all combat ability users to maximize their strength. This squad will be under my direct command. Omar, you'll assist as my deputy."

The strongest force, of course, had to be under his command.

Bruce Scott wouldn't have it any other way.

"Don't worry, Second Uncle!" Omar Scott, Bruce's nephew, a stocky figure from childhood, chimed in.

Omar didn't like school, dropping out before high school.

In the cement plant with his uncle Bruce, he became trusted, handling tasks Bruce couldn't.

Not long ago, Bruce also got Omar an ability fruit.

The officers remained silent.

Bruce Scott realized he'd secured enough benefits, needing to give officers a share now to prevent dissent.

He announced, "The industry around New York is well-developed. To hold out long term, we need control over a machinery factory. Four Links Heavy Machinery is closest—must be seized, and workers there recruited. Daniel Wright, I'm assigning you the 1st Mechanized Battalion. Can you complete this mission?"

Daniel Wright rejoiced.

The 1st Mechanized Battalion, the National Guard's ace, and Murphy's pride—now handed to him—a massive gain.

Bruce Scott showed great tact!

Daniel saluted smartly, "Mission guaranteed, Sir!"

Bruce Scott added, "Bake Allen, take charge of all support-type and lifestyle ability users to ensure our rear stays stable."

Bake Allen smiled broadly, "Yes, General Scott!"

Bruce then glanced at a sturdy man, "Tiger Wong, all aircraft and pilots are your responsibility, understood?"

The National Guard had a makeshift military airfield, with a few vintage fighters and armed helicopters—now invaluable assets.

Tiger beamed with excitement, "Mission guaranteed!"