Grim Situation

"The emergency seminar on the fourth Apocalypse Rule is now in session!"

At the Apocalypse Rules Countermeasure Research Office's meeting room, the person in charge, Gao Liangwei, announced with a grave expression.

"This is a survival rule similar to the first one, [Sleep Deprivation], and it's extremely dangerous! If we don't prepare adequately, many people could die!"

"That's right. This [June Snowfall] rule seems to only require people to stay indoors, but in reality, the transportation of supplies like food is a major problem!" a meteorology expert stated.

"Everyone probably knows from watching the weather forecast that snowfall is divided into six levels: light snow, moderate snow, heavy snow, blizzard, severe blizzard, and extreme blizzard. A few of my assistants and I used instruments to observe for a period of time and have determined that this snowfall will reach the extreme blizzard level, with 30 millimeters of snow within 24 hours!"

"It might even exceed an extreme blizzard! Because this is an extreme blizzard under the Apocalypse Rules, the snowfall won't weaken at all within a month!"

The meteorology expert's voice trembled slightly.

"This means that if there's no artificial intervention, by this time tomorrow, the accumulated snow on the streets outside will be over 50 centimeters deep!"

As the meteorology expert finished speaking, everyone in the room gasped.

Over 50 centimeters of snow in one day, what does that even mean? A single step would be knee-deep!

And this is just the snowfall for one day; the entire rule will last for thirty days...

"This kind of extreme blizzard will severely impact public transportation!" a transportation expert said. "I'm afraid all transportation in various regions will have to cease, with only a very small number of underground rail lines remaining operational."

A logistics expert chimed in, "Has everyone considered how the public's daily necessities will be transported once the snow gets deep and transport vehicles can't move? A large number of citizens are currently relying on the Life Support Bureau for free food and other supplies. If transportation stops, they could starve!"

"We also can't ignore the temperature issue," the climatology expert said, his face full of worry. "Continuous extreme blizzards will quickly cause temperatures to plummet below zero. But don't forget, it's June! It's supposed to be getting warmer. Preparations for winter insulation in various regions are severely lacking."

"The issue of psychological well-being also deserves attention. When people face such extreme environments for extended periods, their mental state can rapidly deteriorate, potentially leading to self-harm or harm to others..."

"Damn Fire Thieves, did they deliberately choose this time to issue such a rule?!"

"Transportation, logistics, temperature, supplies... there are too many problems! This rule might be..."

The discussion devolved into chaos, with everyone talking over each other.

Moreover, since many experts had a grim assessment of the situation, a pessimistic atmosphere settled over the entire meeting room.

"Everyone, quiet down!" the person in charge, Gao Liangwei, said with a resounding voice. "It's not time to give up yet!"

His words immediately silenced the room.

"I know the situation is dire, but don't forget where you are. This is the Countermeasure Research Institute, built with immense national resources. Its purpose is to help the public face the challenges brought by the rules. If even you all panic, what will happen to the citizens?"

As Gao Liangwei finished speaking, everyone nodded in agreement, their spirits lifted. The pessimistic atmosphere in the meeting room vanished, and the experts began offering practical and effective suggestions.

A logistics expert said, "Based on my many years of experience in logistics, the best way to ensure high efficiency is concentrated resource deployment."

Another disaster relief expert agreed, "Exactly. In this situation, scattering our efforts will only delay rescue. The top priority is to concentrate people in large buildings as much as possible. By transporting large quantities of survival resources to these centralized locations, we can maximize the reach of our rescue efforts."

Someone interjected, "What about those remote villages and areas, though..."

The disaster relief and logistics experts fell silent.

In this situation, silence was tantamount to surrender.

Everyone understood clearly that under the current circumstances, it would be difficult enough to ensure rescue efforts in densely populated cities, let alone remote areas with inconvenient road access.

Gao Liangwei said, "Continue."

The experts proceeded to offer more constructive opinions.

"To minimize the impact of snow on roads, I believe we must continuously dispatch a large number of snowplows 24 hours a day."

"Although it's an extreme blizzard, the wind isn't very strong. Perhaps we could dispatch helicopters for low-altitude flights, continuously showering the ground with salt and de-icing agents to assist in clearing and reducing snow accumulation."

"Don't forget to consider the power supply!" an electricity expert stated sternly. "With the sudden drop in temperature, people will use a lot of heating devices like air conditioners, electric blankets, and water heaters, causing a surge in electricity consumption. Power plants could be overloaded! Furthermore, over time, the thick snow might collapse some power lines... If the system can't bear the load and there's a power outage due to these factors, the consequences would be unimaginable!"

Everyone nodded deeply at this. Indeed, in modern society, a prolonged power outage would cause panic among the public no less than a disaster.

"Water is a similar situation," another expert said. "The sudden drop in temperature could cause many water pipes to freeze and burst. If the water supply is cut off, that would also be a major problem."

"And cold-weather gear. It's June, so many people might not have prepared warm clothing. In addition to food, rescue supplies must also include these items."

"The Ascension Shop does have [Thermostatic Tech Underwear]..."

"The vast majority of Ascendants have purchased [Gene Optimization Fluid] and don't have enough Ascension Coins to buy underwear. Besides, that underwear can only provide thermostatic effects for a maximum of 6 hours a day, leaving 18 hours! It can only be used as an emergency measure."

After the experts voiced their opinions and proposed solutions for specific issues, they all looked to the person in charge, Gao Liangwei, awaiting his final decision.

Gao Liangwei said gravely, "Time is of the essence. Everyone, immediately gather personnel, organize road clearing, supply transportation, water and electricity management, cold-weather protection, and other relevant situations and countermeasures. Record them into the computer. The recorders will compile them into an electronic manual and distribute it to the emergency response departments in various regions, instructing them to carry out rescue operations according to the manual."

He paused and then added, "As the military representative and head of this research institute, I will add one more directive. Each building where citizens are concentrated will be assigned an armed squad equipped with military weapons."

Everyone present was taken aback and looked at Gao Liangwei.

Gao Liangwei's expression was stern, his gaze sharp. "Have you all forgotten what happened during the first rule? Do not overestimate human nature. Some people back then dared to harm others for [Sobering Mint Candy]. They will dare to do the same for survival supplies now. At critical moments, having an armed squad present can suppress those who harbor malicious intentions."