Apocalypse, then transforming into a magical girl

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy, but Bai Shuyuan eventually changed the subject.

This is indeed a question worth exploring in depth, but it's not a high priority at the moment.

Compared to the currently unresolved issue of mental pollution, the more pressing matter is the more fundamental problem of "survival" in this crumbling world.

"I will stay here for two or three days to handle some necessary matters." Bai Shuyuan's tone remained calm and even.

"I may come here from time to time as needed." She glanced around at the solid concrete walls. "The building has a very good structure, easy to defend and difficult to attack, and has good potential as a stronghold."

"However, to ensure long-term and stable survival under such a catastrophe, the defenses here alone are far from enough."

"Yes," the veteran continued, "the biggest problem is food and water. There may be some reserves inside and around the bank, but that can only solve the immediate problem."

"...Is there any way we can solve our food problem indoors?" Old Qian cautiously offered his idea, "Like, indoor gardening?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Shuyuan gently lifted her chin with her hand, seemingly retrieving information from her mind.

After a moment, she continued in her emotionless tone, "Perhaps there is a more efficient solution. I once read a paper on it."

"The biological laboratory at Xinmao University was researching a gene-edited Chlorella before the catastrophe. This algae can rapidly multiply in artificial environments and is said to be able to efficiently synthesize most of the nutrients needed by the human body."

"In addition, the ratio of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins is relatively balanced, the growth conditions are relatively simple, it does not require strong light, and the requirements for water quality are not high."

"Xinmao University? That's my university!" Xia Zhaozhao seemed to have heard some news that was even more exciting than a new game. Her emotions were instantly ignited, and her starry eyes continued to look at Bai Shuyuan.

"A biology lab, right? I know where it is, I can show you the way!"

"Sigh, skipping classes every day to play games at home, how come she can still get into such a good university..." Xiao Lü said sarcastically.

Bai Shuyuan showed no reaction to this, and simply continued, "Coincidentally, Xinmao University is also one of my main destinations for this trip."

"Huh? Why are we going there?" Xia Zhaozhao asked curiously.

"The Institute of Botany at Xinmao University has a relatively complete small seed bank," Bai Shuyuan explained.

Her tone unusually carried a hint of seriousness.

"Under the current circumstances, these seed reserves are the foundation for the future reconstruction of agriculture. They also represent the spark for the continuation of a species, or even an ecosystem. I want to go and see how they are preserved there."

"A seed bank..." Little Green repeated the word thoughtfully, looking out at the dark, blood-red sky. "Like Noah's Ark. What if, what if things could return to normal someday..."

"However, I'll make some temporary preparations here before going to university," Bai Shuyuan continued. "In fact, even if I hadn't met you, I planned to use this bank building as a base for me in Xinmao City."

"As a stronghold, a sturdy structure alone is not enough; some proactive defensive measures are needed." The veteran nodded.

"That's right. You have to be strong yourself to succeed. You can't rely on others for everything. We have to have some skills ourselves." Old Qian looked at the remaining survivors and added.

"Hmm. I'll stay here for about three days to resolve... part of the power problem. After that, I'll use the available materials to make some simple weapons or devices that can be effective against the 'aggregates'."

Her gaze fell on Xia Zhaozhao: "I will be going to Xinmao University in three days. I will need your help then."

"No problem!" Xia Zhaozhao patted her chest. "I'll come find you in three days!"

"...Oh right, there's one more thing that needs to be done simultaneously." Bai Shuyuan seemed to suddenly remember something and opened her black briefcase. After taking out the drone that had been folded up on the top, black instruments were revealed underneath.

She took it out, and everyone could see that it was a small shortwave radio.

"The current environment appears to be causing strong interference with long-distance electromagnetic communication," she explained.

"I have done tests before, and even if the radio power is increased to the maximum of 120W, the signal cannot achieve true cross-city transmission. The effective communication radius can only cover about half of Xinmao City."

That is, twenty to thirty kilometers.

"Ugh, I don't understand!" Xia Zhaozhao shook her head, actually too lazy to listen at all. "Anyway, the first thing to do is solve the electricity problem, give it power, right? That's easy!"

She perked up: "Aren't all those streetlights outside solar-powered? They have solar panels on them, we can take them off!"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lü couldn't help but facepalm: "...The idea is great, but we live in a rainstorm apocalypse, with no sunlight."

"Ah, okay, then we'll just have to rely on our love for power." Xia Zhaozhao awkwardly stuck out her tongue, trying to change the subject, "Um... what did you just say? What did you want to test?"

"We want to test the finer propagation radius of shortwave signals under the current conditions," Bai Shuyuan said directly, unconcerned about being interrupted. "Do you have a radio that can receive shortwave signals where you are?"

"Yes," Xiao Lü replied immediately, recalling the radio she had found at Old Man Sun's house. She hadn't expected it to actually come in handy.

"We can receive shortwave signals. Our base is about five kilometers away from here as the crow flies."

"Very good." Bai Shuyuan nodded. "I will take care of the power problem myself. Around nine o'clock in the morning three days from now, I will try to send shortwave signals of different frequencies. When you come over, just tell me how clear the signals are for each frequency band."

……

About half an hour later, when all the miscellaneous situations had come to an end, Xiao Lü and Xia Zhaozhao got up, said goodbye to Bai Shuyuan and the remaining survivors, and left the bank building to return to their residential area to rest.

The sky outside was still dark and oppressive, with eerie black and red clouds hanging low as if they were about to press down at any moment, but the rain had indeed lessened a lot, turning from the previous scarlet downpour into a continuous drizzle.

Before the two left, Bai Shuyuan taught them some ways to modify their raincoats, using waterproof tape and film to further seal their disposable raincoats.

In this way, even if Little Green doesn't maintain the shield all the time, it can effectively keep out rainwater and prevent those unsettling black thread-like things from touching the skin.