Chapter 163: A Reward

Ember and Aiden were able to get a few hours of sleep. During those few hours, the base became a winter wonderland. Even with the base becoming a snowland, the residents didn’t seem to take things seriously. Those who had experienced the sun incident thought the base would be back to normal in no time.

When Ember and Aiden woke up, the spike in CL was minimal. It was better than before, but nowhere near where Ember wanted it to be. The few warm places in the base, people found them and huddled together.

When they found out, they couldn’t help laughing. This was the reason they wanted to use the pulse buttons in the first place. They didn’t want people who wouldn’t benefit the base. But because of Valentina, they had to move quickly.

If her empire becomes larger, they are in for trouble down the road. Now, it seems they are still in for trouble. But this time, it’s from their own people.

“CE, eject them from the warm places. They no longer have access to any of these places. The directorate is the only one that has access.”

Ember wasn’t in the mood to deal with whatever was going on with these people. They made the decision to sign the contract. They knew what the bases’ power system was. Yet, they are still thinking about avoiding it.

The moment Ember made the decision, every person in the base was ejected, except for those in the directorate. They were sent to the square. As soon as they arrived, a holo-screen with Ember’s face appeared.

She had no intention of hiding what they did. They signed a contract and refused to fulfil their end of the bargain. She was neither a saint nor a saviour.

“Firstly,” she began. “Thank you to all those who have been helping the base since they arrived. Today is supposed to be a day of festivities. It is a day when we wish to both celebrate our time here and ensure the Eyrie is still able to keep functioning.”

“To those who have enjoyed the festivities so far, we have sent a gift to your merit logs. After checking your gift, you may go through the door on the left.”

A door on their left side opened. Before anyone could think, someone ran towards the door. What no one expected was that he wasn’t able to get through. He hit the door as though it were a wall.

“Again, only those who have checked their merit logs and have helped the base with its current mission can go through the door.”

“On a further note, I would like to mention that each and every one of you has signed a contract with the base. We have mentioned before the power source for the base. But I realize none of you have taken it seriously.”

“The base will continue to lose power until it reflects the weather outside. If you wish to freeze to death, you are more than welcome to disregard the power source.”

“I will also assume that since no one had done anything. They are waiting for someone else to start. If you wish, I can have all of you start right now.”

That’s when they felt the shift.

Their emotions became agitated. They were still cold, but their bodies were filled with the overwhelming desire to have sex. No sooner had it come than it disappeared.

Ember started speaking again. “You see, we have always had the power to force you. But we didn’t want to be like the others. We wanted you to have that choice. Now the base is about to die, and the only thing you care about is your comfort.”

“I will give everyone time to think. You can decide whether you want to stay. You can choose to help the base or leave. Those who leave cannot bring with them anything the base has given them.”

The screen disappeared, leaving the stunned survivors in the square.

As soon as the screen disappeared, indignant sounds followed. Some were talking about how much they had given to the base. Others mentioned that they only came here because they could relax and didn’t have to worry.

There were some who advocated for the base, saying they were told what to do when they got here. They know that sex is the only way to keep the base running, but they still have the audacity to collect food and drink while doing nothing.

One person remembered the merit logs and checked theirs. Seeing the sigil inside, they clocked on it. The back of their hand felt hot. The person walked to the door.

One person noticed and notified another. Soon, the noise died down. Everyone watched the person walk straight through the door.

Another wave of complaints appeared. More and more people began checking their merit logs. These people all succeeded in passing the door. Only those who did not have anything in their merit logs couldn’t pass through.

One of the last people to go through the door turned to them and said, “You know what you need to do. Help the base instead of being selfish.”

This was the only warning they got. On the other side, those who had walked through the door entered a warm room. It was a large ballroom. It was opulent. Their feet clicked under the marble floors. The ballroom had high walls with crown molding. Thick velvet drapes were hung over large French windows.

There were round dining tables with white tablecloths, perfectly polished and placed silverware, and floral centerpieces. Classical music played in the background.

A man’s voice fell in their ears. “One of the events of our days of festivities is this dinner. It will have dishes of all kinds, from land, air, and sea. You are welcome to freshen up. There are clothes laid out for both ladies and gentlemen.”

“Tonight is a night of anonymity. Each person will be given a mask. They are required to don said masks before returning to dinner. These masks will then change your features. No one will be able ot identify anyone they know.”

“Should you wish to leave with a lady or gentleman. There are rooms provided specifically to your tastes. Please keep the masks on at all times until leaving this portion of the building.”

“We wish all our guests good food, a good time, and an erotic night.”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep