MTLNOVEL Chapter 455: Leaving Valley City
As the strongest survivors in Valley City gathered inside City Hall, Major Joseph finally announced a series of good news.
"I've gathered all of you here to discuss how we're going to rebuild Valley City! But before we get into that, I need to share some good news with everyone.
After everything you've been through, I know many of you are still trapped in grief. That's why you need some good news to lift your spirits."
Major Joseph spoke slowly, carefully observing everyone's expressions as he did.
But the expressions on their faces remained grim and heavy.
After enduring the recent crisis, no one in Valley City had much hope left for the city's future.
More than half of Valley City had been destroyed in this disaster.
And that destruction had claimed the industrial district and the city's few remaining research institutions.
Without those, Valley City no longer held much strategic or economic value in the eyes of the federal leadership.
But Major Joseph pressed on, delivering the first piece of good news.
"The first good news is that order has been restored in Valley City.
All remaining monsters have been completely wiped out, and for the foreseeable future, we shouldn't have to worry about any new monster threats."
Despite this announcement, Major Joseph noticed that the expressions in the room remained unenthusiastic.
It was clear that restoring order alone wasn't enough to boost morale.
So, he continued without hesitation.
"The second good news is that the reinforcements sent by military headquarters are very close to Valley City.
In about two days, they will arrive, and they will assist us in the reconstruction of the city."
The moment he announced this, murmurs broke out among the crowd.
Clearly, everyone was dissatisfied with how the military headquarters had handled the situation.
They all believed that reinforcements should have been sent much earlier.
"Everyone, please quiet down!" Major Joseph raised his voice.
"I still have one last piece of good news to share!
And this last one… is the most important for all of us!"
He had heard the growing murmurs of discontent among the survivors.
Their frustration was undeniable, and their morale was dropping further.
That was why Major Joseph knew that his final announcement had to be powerful enough to truly reignite their hope.
"There are still a large number of weapons and supplies left in Valley City. If we use them wisely, we can form a formidable force made up of Apocalypse Game players."
The moment Major Joseph said this, the expressions on people's faces finally brightened a little.
This truly was good news.
However, for most people in the room, it was meaningless—they had no qualifications to receive high-level weapons or supplies.
Only those who had reached level 30 or higher were eligible to obtain powerful gear.
Jeremy and Ritchie's Decision
For Jeremy and Ritchie, however, Major Joseph's good news meant nothing.
Because they were about to leave Valley City.
Since the city's crisis had been resolved, there was no reason for them to stay any longer.
They had only ended up in Valley City because they were attacked by monsters while on their way to the Capital.
Now that they had recovered, and with the monsters that had attacked them eliminated, it was time to continue their journey.
They couldn't afford to give Kean any more time to prepare.
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Major Joseph's Request
After seeing that the morale in the room had finally improved, Major Joseph shared his final thoughts.
"During the reconstruction of Valley City, I hope all of you will give it your all.
The rebuilding process will take a long time, and during this period, Valley City may face another attack.
If that happens, I need all of you to fight against any monsters that threaten the city.
Only through this determination can we rebuild Valley City as quickly as possible."
With those words, Major Joseph dismissed the gathering.
Major Joseph's Regret
Even as the people left, Major Joseph felt slightly dissatisfied with himself.
He regretted not saying something more inspiring—something that would have truly motivated the survivors.
But it was too late to change that now.
Stopping Jeremy and Ritchie
As the crowd dispersed, Major Joseph suddenly called out to Jeremy and Ritchie.
He wanted to hear their thoughts on Valley City's reconstruction.
Jeremy, however, didn't hesitate to give a direct response.
"I don't have any suggestions.
I may have stayed in Valley City for a while, but I don't know much about Hale Valley City.
Besides, my companion and I are leaving soon."
The moment Jeremy said this, Major Joseph's expression changed dramatically.
He looked visibly flustered.
"Why are you leaving Valley City?"
"We were only here because of an accident. Since the crisis has been resolved, we should continue our journey to the Capital," Jeremy answered bluntly.
Major Joseph looked slightly disappointed.
"You can't do this!
If you stay in Valley City, I can provide you with an abundance of resources!
Even though you're both high-level players and have already completed your Awakening, once you reach level 70, you will still need additional resources to further advance your abilities.
Valley City is willing to give you everything we have to aid your growth.
No other city would ever make such an offer.
Staying in Valley City is the most logical choice for you!"
Major Joseph was genuinely concerned.
If Jeremy and Ritchie left, Valley City could very well face another crisis.
His tone was urgent, and both Jeremy and Ritchie could tell that he was deeply anxious.
Feeling a sense of obligation to ease his worries, Jeremy spoke.
"I don't think you need to worry so much. The reinforcements from military headquarters will be arriving soon. Once they're here, they'll be able to ensure Valley City's safety."
Before Jeremy could even finish speaking, Major Joseph cut him off.
"The reinforcements being sent by military headquarters aren't as strong as you!
They can't guarantee Valley City's safety!
I still hope you'll reconsider and stay.
But if you've truly made up your minds to leave, I won't try to stop you.
Because I know that once you've set your sights on something, no one can change your decision."
Although Major Joseph was desperate, he did not try to force Jeremy and Ritchie to stay.
Instead, he appealed to their emotions, hoping that it would convince them.
But his plan ultimately failed.
Jeremy simply smiled and shook his head.
"No matter what you say, we're not staying.
Our plan from the very beginning was to reach the Capital and face Kean in a final battle.
The very reason Valley City fell into crisis was because of Kean's subordinates.
If we continue to delay, Kean and his forces will only have more time to create even bigger problems.
Leaving now and defeating Kean as soon as possible is not only beneficial for us—but also for you."
Jeremy had finally said something that completely convinced Major Joseph.
Major Joseph nodded in resignation.
"Since you've put it that way, I have no way to stop you anymore.
No matter what, you have both done a great service for Valley City. I want to properly compensate you for that.
If there's any weapon or item you want, you're free to take it.
I promise I won't go back on my word—whatever you choose to take, I will allow it without hesitation."
Although Major Joseph was genuinely grateful to Jeremy and Ritchie, his motives weren't entirely pure.
This was also an attempt to win them over, to create a stronger connection between them and Valley City.
However, Jeremy and Ritchie had no intention of accepting anything.
The weapons and items that Major Joseph could offer simply weren't powerful enough for them.
"You're too kind," Jeremy replied.
"But we don't need the weapons and supplies you're offering.
What we have now is more than enough for us.
We'll be leaving tomorrow morning."
After saying that, Jeremy and Ritchie turned and left.
Major Joseph watched their retreating figures and let out a heavy sigh.
A City Without Guardians
"Valley City is not a lucky city.
Even though Jeremy and Ritchie helped us survive our greatest disaster, they were never going to stay.
They don't want to protect Valley City.
In the end, the city can only rely on people like me to defend it."
Despite feeling a sense of regret, Major Joseph quickly adjusted his emotions.
For him, the safety of Valley City was the most important thing.
Even if Jeremy and Ritchie refused to stay, he would have to hold strong and ensure the city's protection himself.
Preparing to Leave
Back at their temporary lodging, Jeremy and Ritchie immediately began packing their belongings.
"The moment military headquarters' reinforcements arrive, they'll find out that we were here," Jeremy said.
"And when that happens, they're bound to take action.
That would be a huge disadvantage for our next move.
That's why I think we should get to the Capital as fast as possible—and finish defeating Kean within a single day.
Our time is precious.
We can't afford to waste another second."
With a resolute expression, Jeremy laid out his plan.
Jeremy's tone carried a hint of urgency.
This time, Ritchie didn't lag behind.
He knew very well that their time was extremely precious, so his movements were noticeably quicker than before.