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🕑 Added 2025-06-17 05:22:36 +0000 UTCA New Beginning From the End of the World
Chapter 171 - The Changes
Jason's scavenging operation lasted an entire day, and he found several other equally important items, which made several members of the Alexandria group nearly cry with joy. One could even say that what they collected today was more than what they had gathered in the past three months.
Alexandria’s reserves had never been particularly stable. The amount of supplies left behind by the military allowed the group to live comfortably for about a year. However, they had also missed the best opportunity.
Initially, it would have been wise to store materials and resources like Jason did, even if they didn’t seem useful at the time. But the refugees in Alexandria had failed to do that. Aside from building a wall around the settlement, they planted a few crops—but not nearly enough to satisfy the needs of the many powerful people living there. This put Alexandria’s survivors in a dangerous position.
Now that their supplies were running out, they had to venture out too often to restock, which is why everyone was so happy to have collected so many items in a single day with Jason.
In the following days, Jason began going out more frequently, and some of the people who had been in training started going with him. After spending some time together, Aaron and the others adapted to the rhythm of Jason’s group.
Everyone picked up many small tricks they hadn’t known before, including how to avoid walkers and how to deal with them.
A few days later, in Alexandria’s meeting hall—
Everyone living in Alexandria was gathered there. In addition to Deanna and her husband Monroe, there were several other people seated beside them.
Deanna flipped through the notebook in her hands and addressed the group: “I’ve gone through everyone’s questions, and I’ll choose the most important ones to ask. I hope the six of you will hold each other accountable and answer with the most honest opinions possible.”
“All right.”
“Sure.”
...
Deanna nodded and asked the group about Jason and his development: “Regarding the group that accompanied you, what’s your impression of them?”
Tobin turned to everyone and said, “I’d rather say it directly than write it down, and if I miss anything, feel free to add to what I’m about to say.”
Seeing several people nod in agreement, Tobin spoke without writing: “The strongest impression I got from that group is their strict discipline, strong execution, and clear division of labor. The team members cooperate seamlessly and trust one another.”
“What stands out most, if I may say so, is that Jason’s words carry a lot of weight within the group. No one questions him—they all obey his orders unconditionally.”
Aaron added, “Another thing is that almost every member of his group has their own specialty. Daryl is an expert in the field, George is a car mechanic, and the others are either great marksmen or skilled with bows and arrows—not to mention the experienced soldiers. You could say these people excel in every area.”
Deanna nodded, jotted something in her notebook, and then asked, “Do you think this team is dangerous?”
Tobin paused for a moment before replying: “There’s always a risk, but that depends on whether the other party is hostile or not. From what I’ve seen these past few days, that group’s intentions seem genuinely focused on the greater good.”
The others nodded one after the other, indicating they had nothing to add.
Deanna continued, “How likely do you think it is that they would join us?”
As soon as the question was asked, the six people looked at each other and silently shook their heads.
Deanna sighed and moved on: “If you had the choice, would you rather stay in Alexandria, or would you prefer to join Jason’s team?”
Tobin hesitated, glanced around at those nearby, and finally bit the bullet and told the truth: “To be honest, if I’m really thinking about survival, I’d choose to join Jason’s group. Offering hope not just for myself but for the future of others is something that gives me purpose.”
Heath also nodded, agreeing with Tobin’s perspective. Everyone wanted to be led by someone with a clear vision for the future. No matter where they were from, if there was a bigger and more forward-thinking organization, they were willing to move.
Aaron said, “I choose to stay. Alexandria is my home—I’d rather grow and survive with my people than somewhere else. But if they decide to join us, that would be the best outcome possible. That said, I still support Tobin’s point of view.”
Eric smiled at Aaron and said the same: “I’ll be wherever Aaron is.”
Rodrigo, on the other hand, remained silent, though everyone was eager to hear what he had to say.
Rodrigo showed no expression, then spoke directly: “Sorry, I don’t have much to say. But if you really want to know, I choose to join them.”
“What’s your reason?” Deanna asked curiously.
“Because Jason’s group has a vision for the future. I used to think our group had that too, but Jason’s actions are on a whole different level. I just have one question: after all this time, how much do we really know about the future?”
“Jason gave me the impression that he’s adapting to this world at full speed—and that he, in this world, will lead us in the right direction to gradually reclaim everything we’ve lost. If we don’t do something, we’ll be the ones who miss that chance.”
At Rodrigo’s words, the meeting room fell into a brief silence. Deanna herself seemed lost in thought, tapping her notebook with her pen.
After a while, some Alexandria natives began to impatiently refute Rodrigo, thinking he was being overly idealistic.
When Rodrigo finished speaking, he lowered his head and fell silent, as if he didn’t care about their criticisms.
Deanna slapped the table and spoke loudly: “Silence!”
“One last question. I hope you’ll think carefully before you answer.”
Everyone waited silently for Deanna to ask her final question.
“Regarding the proposal Jason made to me—can you accept making significant changes to Alexandria?”
Those who had spent time with Jason lowered their heads and thought about it. After a moment, Tobin said, “My personal opinion is to let him lead us. The teams that have gone out with them have brought many new people to the settlement.”
“I agree. My reason is essentially the same as Tobin’s.”
“I feel the same way.”
“I believe he can bring better change for everyone.”
Rodrigo raised his head again at that moment. He looked at Deanna in front of him, then at the people behind him. Suddenly, something felt off to him, and he looked at them in silence.
“I know I’m not in a position to criticize anyone, but I still need to say a few words.”
“Deep down, we all know what the problem with this settlement is. Jason mentioned a lot of things to us. Did you know that three major bases Jason runs miles away have already achieved food self-sufficiency? In just half a year, and they’re planning to claim all of Atlanta as a safe territory.”
“What about us?”
“Throw up a few metal sheets and say we’re the safest community around? What else have we done? There’s a reason the other group has progressed like they have. I don’t intend to criticize you, Deanna, but now that we have a better alternative, I have to.”
When Rodrigo finished speaking, the conference room erupted in noise. People began to criticize his words. Deanna, overwhelmed by the argument, felt a bit helpless. The achievement she had always taken pride in now seemed meaningless in the eyes of others.
Even her own team members had changed their minds after just a few days with Jason. She was a smart woman and knew Rodrigo was absolutely right. She was a politician—her strength was stabilizing situations—but her ability to pioneer was limited. She had both merits and shortcomings when it came to Alexandria’s problems.
Seeing the crowd turn on Rodrigo, I couldn’t help but slap the table again and speak loudly: “Everyone, I want to say something, and I hope you’ll listen closely.”
“Due to the many unknown dangers we face, I will begin implementing Jason’s suggestions and proceed with the reconstruction of Alexandria. I hope everyone is mentally prepared for the coming changes. We are marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new one!”
