Doomsday America.

Chapter 283 The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Inside the helicopter, Gavin sat by the cabin door, his right hand gripping a fixed object, his legs braced against the strong winds. Unlike his initial terrified fear of helicopters, he now treated them with a more relaxed attitude, though he still disliked them. His demeanor was no different from that of an ordinary American soldier, who also liked to sit by the helicopter door with their feet on the landing gear for a wider field of vision and easy access to the machine gun by simply standing up.

As he sat there resting, his gaze fell on the astronaut beside him.

The astronauts were desperately craning their necks—their enormous spacesuit helmets—to the windows to peer down at the dilapidated city below, a city of ruins and broken walls. As they looked, Ivan couldn't help but chuckle, though his laughter carried a hint of bitterness.

He shook his head with a wry smile, then said to Gavin:

"Gavin, I've only ever imagined this scene in my dreams. To be honest, I still have a bit of patriotism, and I've dreamt more than once that America would become this stupid thing." "But—it's awful. Just thinking about how my hometown probably looks like this makes my heart pound."

"This is New Orleans, right? So, Gavin, have all the cities in America become like New Orleans?" "Huh?"

Upon hearing this, Gavin turned to look at Ivan and then responded softly.

"No, at least among the cities I've seen, New Orleans is in the worst condition. Other cities like Houston and Dallas, at least, haven't turned into the kind of pure war-damaged city that New Orleans is in!" With that, Gavin simply straddled the cabin with his left leg, sat sideways, and continued speaking to the astronauts.

"When you have time, I can take you to see Dallas. It's not dilapidated, and there aren't many signs of explosions or fires, but there's a real gem there." "The aggregate in Houston was only thirty meters tall, but the one in Dallas is a full eighty meters tall. Once you see it with your own eyes, you'll understand what the world has become." "I'm really happy you guys were able to return safely from the space station, because the world really needs more smart people like you to figure out and develop a truly suitable logic for human life."

"For the past two months, I've been leading my men through the apocalypse. While we've gained some insights and lessons learned, it's mostly been about reacting passively rather than actively adapting to the environment." "But if we want to better survive the apocalypse and truly ensure humanity's future, we can't just passively deal with the troubles caused by zombies." "The wise should understand the world and utilize it. I hope that once you understand this world well enough, you can bring me something worth looking forward to." With that, Gavin shook his head and then pulled out his walkie-talkie.

Big Ivan silently looked at Gavin's walkie-talkie, wanting to hear what Gavin had to say.

Gavin looked down at New Orleans, which was being slowly swept past, and said.

"Guys, this is Gavin. We're heading north to Travis National Park. After that, we'll observe the distribution of zombies there, land, refuel, and maintain the aircraft!" Gavin said, then put away his walkie-talkie.

One response after another came through the walkie-talkie.

And so, the aircraft flew north, not very fast, taking a full forty minutes before reaching the vicinity of Travis National Park. Travis National Park is quite large, about six kilometers wide and eight kilometers long, mostly forested, but also containing a grassland of about 600 acres. In addition, it's a wildlife sanctuary, home to many bears and cougars, as well as a wolf pack of about 140. It wasn't that Gavin had done prior research; the promotional materials were simply printed on signs throughout Travis National Park. As a national park that relies on tourism to drive its economy, this park wanted to promote everything within it. Gavin and his group saw the promotional materials as soon as they landed. At that moment, five helicopters were parked in the middle of the grassland in Travis Park. There were hardly any zombies in the vicinity, and even housing was scarce; the entire park contained only two manor-style buildings, more than three kilometers apart.

The estates near the grasslands look somewhat like staff villas. After all, this is a national park, and there are some professional hunters like Martin who live there. On the one hand, they want to prevent the park's star animals from being poached, and on the other hand, they also play a management role.

But now...

Gavin looked at the manor, a good 800 meters away, and confirmed there were no zombies in front of him. Then he spoke into the walkie-talkie, "The situation is safe. Everyone disembark. Sean, lead the maintenance team. The rest of you, keep up the good work, and hurry!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gavin patted Eugene on the shoulder. Eugene pouted in annoyance, then jumped off the helicopter and joined the others in refueling the plane. Gavin stayed in the helicopter, sitting down next to the astronauts with his rifle in hand, and leaned over to check on Richard's condition.

Richard was still unconscious, so Gavin frowned and asked a question.

"Kobayashi, is Richard alright? Why has he been unconscious for so long and still hasn't woken up?"

"Hi!"

Upon hearing Gavin's words, Kobayashi quickly shifted his position on the ground and moved to Gavin's side, bowing his head as he spoke.

"Sir, Richard's coma is actually a good thing. After all, he probably hasn't slept for a long time since the painkillers wore off last night." "As for now, look at his radiation suit; there's still condensation from Richard's breathing on the observation window on his face. Richard's breathing is normal, which is also part of the morphine's effect." "However, the morphine's effects won't last long. I predict Richard will wake up in three hours at most!"

At this point, Kobayashi Naoya looked up at Gavin.

Gavin was startled by Kobayashi Naoya's enthusiastic gaze, which was almost red with emotion.

How could Gavin possibly guess what Kobayashi was thinking?

At this moment, in Kobayashi's eyes, Gavin had become a savior!

Moreover, Canada is the white European and American person who is most highly regarded by the Japanese in this era.

Moreover, even just the two crows on Gavin's shoulder were enough for Naoya Kobayashi to deify Gavin.

Furthermore, Kobayashi Naoya was inherently somewhat neurotic, or rather, the more elite the people in Japan, the more ruthless and neurotic they tend to be. Even before returning to Earth, Kobayashi Naoya had imagined more than once that when humanity was almost wiped out, the remaining humans would naturally undergo a complete reshuffling! The power structure of humanity would naturally evolve after the apocalypse into a form incomprehensible before the apocalypse!

And Kobayashi Naoya... he firmly believed that his successful return was due to divine intervention, and that his meeting with Gavin must also be guided by divine will and destiny! Therefore, Kobayashi Naoya, one of the smartest people in the world today, became one of the first to become a fanatical believer in some kind of apocalyptic culture! In the eyes of others, the apocalypse is a disaster.

In Kobayashi's eyes, the apocalypse was actually an opportunity—a chance for him to completely transcend his old social class and stand at a higher level once more! In the past, even though Kobayashi was an astronaut, and even though his family held a certain position in Japanese cultural circles, his life was almost entirely predetermined. Having won the favor of his family patriarch through his studies and earned the opportunity to go into space through his abilities, no matter how hard he tried, Kobayashi could only ever be a prestigious professor at the University of Tokyo, drifting aimlessly for the rest of his life. But now…

Naoya Kobayashi wanted more. He wanted to seize this reshuffling of power in the apocalypse to become more than just a member of academia; he wanted to extend his influence to those in real power! Kobayashi believed in himself because he understood and trusted human nature. He believed that even if the remaining humans hadn't yet evolved into a complete power structure, similar groups would emerge in the future. And he wasn't lacking in ability; he possessed considerable ambition. If he met Gavin's expectations, he believed he could occupy a higher position in Gavin's camp! Gavin had no idea that so many thoughts had flashed through Kobayashi's mind in such a short time.

Even if Gavin knew, he wouldn't mind at all; on the contrary, he would appreciate Kobayashi even more.

He fairly appreciated all truly capable people, and the abilities of Kobayashi and his group of astronauts had already been verified by countries around the world for Gavin. This group not only calculated their return route to Earth without any ground data support, but they actually managed to bring themselves back. Besides that, let's just talk about the accident that happened to Richard.

If an ordinary person were to suffer an injury like Richard's, even if they didn't die from the pain, they would probably bleed to death.

But this group of people, despite wearing intravehicular activity suits weighing tens of kilograms and carrying life support systems weighing hundreds of kilograms, managed to handle Richard's condition cleanly and efficiently. Whether it was administering medication or suturing, this group did it with remarkable skill, quick thinking, and exceptional action.

How could Gavin not admire such a group of people?!

And at this moment, how could Gavin not appreciate Kobayashi Naoya, who was guiding the other astronauts to instinctively obey him with utmost respect? As for Kobayashi Naoya's Japanese identity?

Stop joking. Even Mount Fuji is gone now, there's no trace of Japan left. Besides, only fools would discriminate against an entire race, while the wisdom of a person is always directed at the individual and their actions. Seeing Kobayashi's extremely respectful demeanor, Gavin gently patted Kobayashi on the shoulder.

"Don't be so reserved, relax. You look quite energetic."

"Hi, Lord Gavin, my mind and body are essential tools for rebuilding civilization in this apocalyptic world. So no matter what difficulties we face, I will take good care of myself so that I can be at your service at any time!"

Naoya Kobayashi immediately bowed respectfully to Gavin, then nearly fell headfirst to the ground.

There was no way around it; his life support system was right behind him, and that thing was so heavy that when Kobayashi bent over, he almost crushed Kobayashi to the ground.

Gavin had to lift him up to help him stand up straight.

While helping Kobayashi sit up straight, Gavin chuckled and tapped his chest.

"Alright, stop being so formal, it doesn't fit the atmosphere of the camp."

"Once you get home, experience the atmosphere of the campsite and immerse yourself in it."

At this point, Gavin suddenly turned to Ivan and asked:

"Oh, right, I still owe you guys a big party, and we'll be staying here for a while."

"Please wait a moment, I'll contact my family right away and ask them to make some preparations."

"We'll need to rest here for at least two hours, and the journey home will take at least two and a half hours. By the time we get home, it will be at least afternoon, which will be enough time for our families to prepare." With that, Gavin patted Ivan on the shoulder, then got up and went to the onboard radio.

Just as Gavin tuned the radio frequency to the manor, the large raven on his shoulder, Fokin, curiously turned its head and looked at the astronauts. Meeting Fokin's gaze, Kobayashi Naoya stiffened, Ivan was slightly taken aback, and the other astronauts simply stared at Fokin with delighted wide eyes, saying, "What a magnificent raven! Its feathers look like a patchwork of black and white. I've never seen such a beautiful raven before!" "Yes, Edwin, the ravens I've seen before are the kind you see everywhere in the city, not as big as Gavin's raven." "That's right, but thinking about it, it makes sense. In the apocalypse, ravens don't lack food for a short time. But... why haven't birds like raven turned into zombie birds? Is it a difference in body temperature or physical characteristics? I think our next research topic could start with the argument that birds cannot mutate into zombie birds!"

Sergei concluded by saying this, then tentatively raised his hand to Fokine.

Seeing this, Fokine gave Sergei a disdainful look, then nimbly jumped on Gavin's shoulder before turning back to continue observing the astronauts. It was the first time it had seen astronauts wearing such clothing; these humans were truly novel, something it had never seen before!

For a moment, Fokin was stunned, while Wuni, while Fokin was stunned, opened its beak and pulled a colorful feather from its plumage, hopping and presenting it to Fokin. This colorful feather was plucked from another bird; Wuni thought it was quite pretty and had been wearing it ever since.

But now...

Wuni only wants to give all her good things to Fujin!

The two crows interacted intimately, while the astronauts discussed the inability of crows and birds to mutate. Naoya Kobayashi gazed at the large crow with envy. Meanwhile, Gavin connected to the manor's radio, sending a communication signal.

Upon receiving the signal, zt immediately connected it, then stopped his stand-up comedy and asked Gavin a question.

"Hi, my dear survivor friends, this is Camp Gavin's radio broadcast. I'm Camp Gavin's chief anchor, it's great to connect with you!" "Okay, zt, this is Gavin!"

Gavin interrupted zt and then said to zt.

"I've received all the astronauts! All of them are safe and sound. Listen carefully, all of them, not one missing!"

"Besides that, I'm currently resting and refueling at Travis National Park. After some maintenance and checks on the aircraft, I'll take the astronauts home." "Tell Doris and Jon that we're throwing a big welcome party for the astronauts today!"

"So, we can finally use the fruit we stored, and the wine we kept downstairs—whatever we have, we'll use it. I'm in a great mood today, really great!" "If all goes well, we should be home by 2 or 3 p.m. at the latest. Just make sure the party starts on time." "Also, say hello to Nikita and Winnie for me, and tell them I miss them."

After speaking, Gavin released the intercom and waited for ZT's response.

After a brief silence, zt immediately burst into cheers and shouted at Gavin.

"Really? Did I hear that right? All of them? Is it really all of them?"

"Haha, I knew they could do it! That damn Ivan is the best astronaut I've ever heard of! He brought them back to Earth safely, God!" "I'm so fucking excited, boss! I'm going to tell Old Man Mike and Thomas right away, and Doris and Jon, whom you're supposed to tell!" "Oh yeah, and of course, Mrs. Kim and Winnie, haha, heaven knows how happy they'll be knowing you'll be back this afternoon!" At this point, the radio went completely silent, and ZT rushed out of the broadcasting room, shouting and yelling, heading towards the hall and kitchen, telling everyone he encountered the news! At this point, Gavin Manor was in complete uproar.

While Gavin Manor was buzzing with excitement, Travis Park was also bustling with activity.

Just as Gavin put down the communicator, Eugene, who was refueling the plane, suddenly looked up and alertly looked southwest!

In his eyes, he vaguely saw dozens of dogs...

and many more……

That's not a dog!

That looks like a wolf!